DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Office of the Third Sector

Francis Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what responsibilities the Office of the Third Sector has in relation to the Charity Commission.

Phil Hope: The Charity Commission (the Commission) is a non-ministerial Government Department and is the independent regulator of Charities in England and Wales. In the exercise of its functions it is not subject to the direction or control of any Minister of the Crown or other Government Department. The Minister for the Cabinet Office appoints the members of the Commission's board and conducts parliamentary business on the Commission's behalf. He has policy responsibility for the law in relation to charities in England and Wales, including making Regulations and Orders under the Charities Acts. The Office of the Third Sector works closely with the Commission on matters of mutual interest, such as the implementation of the Charities Act 2006, while recognising and respecting the Commission's independence.

PRIME MINISTER

China

Dai Davies: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to the Answer of 4 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 747-48W, on China, what discussions he had with the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on  (a) the selection of business leaders to accompany him on his trip to China,  (b) the basis on which such business leaders were invited and  (c) any bilateral business agreements made during the visit; and if he will make a statement.

Gordon Brown: I have regular meetings and discussions with ministerial colleagues and others on a wide range of subjects.

Departmental Reviews

Francis Maude: To ask the Prime Minister what reviews he has commissioned since June 2007; on what date each review commenced; what progress has been made on each to date; and when each is expected to report.

Gordon Brown: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave the right hon. Member for Witney (Mr. Cameron) at Prime Minister's Questions on 6 February 2008,  Official Report, column 949.

Iraq: Weapons

David Amess: To ask the Prime Minister what the evidential basis was for the statement in the 2002 Iraq dossier that Iraq could deploy weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes of an order to use them; and if he will make a statement.

Gordon Brown: These matters have been examined during the course of the Butler Review and other inquiries, and covered during debates and statements on Iraq and in briefings by my predecessor's official spokesman. All relevant information has been placed in the public domain in as far as that could be done without prejudicing national security.

Legal Opinion: Armed Forces

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to publish legal advice provided to the Cabinet on proposals to go to war or otherwise commit the military to action.

Gordon Brown: Advice from the Law Officers is handled in accordance with the requirements of the ministerial code.

Sudan

Keith Simpson: To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to visit Darfur.

Gordon Brown: For Security reasons, my future engagements are announced as and when appropriate.

WOMEN AND EQUALITY

Age: Discrimination

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what research she has commissioned on the incidence of discrimination in the supply of goods and services to people on the basis of age; and if she will make a statement.

Barbara Follett: The Government Equalities Office has worked with the Department of Health to commission two literature reviews and two research studies to assess the costs and benefits of eliminating age discrimination in the provision of health and social care.

Departmental Databases

Mark Hoban: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what databases are  (a) owned and  (b) maintained by the Government Equalities Office.

Barbara Follett: The Government Equalities Office has two Microsoft Access databases that hold a register of its staff and its stakeholders respectively. These databases are maintained by GEO and hold no sensitive data. Access to these databases is restricted to GEO staff.

Gender Responsive Budgeting

Bob Spink: To ask the Minister for Women and Equality if she will evaluate the merits of the application of gender responsive budgeting in the Government's public expenditure process; and if she will make a statement.

Barbara Follett: Gender responsive budgeting is one of a range of tools which the Government are using to tackle gender inequality.
	We will be working with women's non-government organisations to improve gender analysis of tax and spending policies over the forthcoming year.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Departmental Impact Assessments

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many regulatory impact assessments his Department has conducted in the last 12 months.

Douglas Alexander: Information on the final regulatory impact assessments published between 1 January and 30 June 2007 can be found in Command Paper 7297, available at:
	http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm72/7297/7297.pdf
	For the Department for International Development, no regulatory impact assessments have been listed. Departments are in the process of identifying the final regulatory impact assessments published between 1 July and 31 December 2007. The Department for International Development did not conduct any regulatory impact assessments within this period.
	From April 2008, all final impact assessments will be published on a central website.

Departmental Pay

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the salary range is for each pay band of civil servants in his Department.

Gillian Merron: The salary range for each pay band of civil servant in the Department for International Development is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  £ 
			   London  National 
			  Grade  Minimum  Maximum  Minimum  Maximum 
			  DFID grade 
			 SCS pay band 3 99,960 205,000 99,960 205,000 
			 SCS pay band 2 81,600 160,000 81,600 160,000 
			 SCS pay band 1 56,100 116,000 56,100 116,000 
			 A1 53,490 64,925 50,850 62,130 
			 A2 43,298 53,583 39,842 49,925 
			 A2(L) 37,500 42,342 35,000 39,842 
			 B1(D) 29,000 34,925 29,000 34,925 
			 B1 27,814 31,815 24,069 27,840 
			 B2 22,825 25,775 19,093 21,845 
			 C1 18,394 21,285 14,713 17,365 
			 C2 16,817 17,923 13,137 14,005 
			  
			  Civil service grade 
			 SCS pay band 3 99,960 205,000 99,960 205,000 
			 SCS pay band 2 81,600 160,000 81,600 160,000 
			 SCS pay band 1 56,100 116,000 56,100 116,000 
			 G6 53,490 64,925 50,850 62,130 
			 G7 43,298 53,583 39,842 49,925 
			 SEO/G7 37,500 42,342 35,000 39,842 
			 HEO(D) 29,000 34,925 29,000 34,925 
			 HEO 27,814 31,815 24,069 27,840 
			 EO 22,825 25,775 19,093 21,845 
			 AO 18,394 21,285 14,713 17,365 
			 AA 16,817 17,923 13,137 14,005

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Bingo

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the number of people belonging to bingo clubs in England.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Information on the number of people belonging to bingo clubs in England is not collected or held centrally.

Bingo

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the potential of bingo clubs to contribute to the delivery of his Department's leisure policies; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: A regulatory impact assessment (RIA) for the Gambling Act was prepared by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport in April 2005. This contained a competition assessment for the bingo market. The RIA can be accessed on the Department's website at:
	http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/Gambling_racing/
	The Department has a close working relationship with the Bingo Association, the main trade body representing the interests of the industry. This enables the Department to have a good understanding of the issues of importance to the bingo industry. The Government recognise that bingo provides a very popular leisure pursuit for the millions of people who play the game each year. Bingo halls provide an important source of employment and play a significant social role in their local communities.

Bingo

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the level of value added tax payable by bingo clubs; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: Ministers and officials have had discussions with Treasury about a range of gambling issues.

OLYMPICS

Departmental Cost Effectiveness

Bob Spink: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what progress she has made in the zero-based budget review of expenditure for which she is responsible under the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Tessa Jowell: On 10 December 2007 the Government announced the result of work undertaken to ensure that the budget for the Games is fully aligned with scope, programme and risks; and confirmed that the findings of this work validated the ODA Budget, and the overall funding package of £9.325 billion that was announced in March 2007, which is consistent with the CSR settlement.
	Details of progress across the Olympic programme, and funding for the Games, can be found in the first Annual Report on the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, published on 22 January 2008. I will make further reports to Parliament on a six monthly basis.

Ministerial Duties: Paymaster General

Bob Neill: To ask the Minister for the Olympics what functions she has carried out in her capacity as Paymaster General.

Tessa Jowell: My ministerial functions are set out in the List of Ministerial Responsibilities, which is available for reference in the Libraries of the House.

WALES

A55: Accidents

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many personal injury accidents there were on the A55 in Wales in each of the last five years; and how many involved at least one heavy goods vehicle in each year.

Paul Murphy: The data regarding personal injury accidents on the A55 in Wales are contained in the table. Although these figures encouragingly show a downward trend, the number of accidents in 2006 is still very regrettable.
	
		
			  Personal injury accidents on A55 between Holyhead and Wales/England boundary 
			   Total  3.5t + 
			 2002 140 12 
			 2003 125 7 
			 2004 131 6 
			 2005 101 7 
			 2006 89 5

Departmental Older Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people over the age of 55 have been recruited by his Department in each of the last three years.

Paul Murphy: In line with anti-age discrimination legislation and good practice, the Wales Office does not ask candidates to provide their age or date of birth when applying for jobs, because of this it is not possible to separate those staff from the others recruited.

Hazardous Substances: Waste Disposal

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when his Department was informed of  (a) the dumping of toxic waste and  (b) the leaching of toxins into groundwater at Brofiscin Quarry; what steps have been taken to (i) remove the waste and (ii) prevent further leaching; and if he will make a statement.

Paul Murphy: All records relating to the former Welsh Office on this issue have been transferred to the Welsh Assembly Government. However, I understand the Welsh Office was aware of the contamination in 1975 from a report prepared by the Water Pollution Research Laboratory on behalf of the then Department for the Environment. The Welsh Office was also referred to in earlier publications concerning Brofiscin. In addition, the Welsh Office carried out a survey into contaminated land in Wales, including Brofiscin quarry in 1988.
	The Environment Agency has been liaising with the Welsh Assembly Government and local authority in respect of Brofiscin Quarry since the implementation of Part 2A Contaminated Land legislation in 2001 in Wales. The site was determined as contaminated land in March 2005 by the local authority. The Environment Agency is currently conducting a remedial options appraisal in accordance with the relevant legislation and statutory guidance.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Elections: Proof of Identity

Richard Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what representations he has received from electors who have been refused a ballot paper at an election in Northern Ireland since 2002 because of their inability to provide a required form of identification

Shaun Woodward: I have received no representations to this effect. The hon. Member may wish to be aware that the Government will shortly lay draft regulations before the House which will extend the types of photographic ID accepted at polling stations in Northern Ireland to include the Translink Blind Person and War Disabled SmartPasses; and remove the requirement that ID must be current. We hope that this will reduce the number of people who find they are unable to exercise their vote on polling day as a result of bringing to the polling station ID which has recently expired or is not acceptable as proof of identity.

Elections: Proof of Identity

Richard Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the effect on voter turnout of the need for electors to provide a proof of identification at polling stations in Northern Ireland since 2002.

Shaun Woodward: I have considered the information available on this subject in various reports prepared by the Electoral Commission and have been pleased to note that this important counter-fraud measure appears not to have had a significant adverse effect on the numbers voting in Northern Ireland.

Departmental Plants

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on pot plants in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: The Northern Ireland Office does not hold a budget for expenditure exclusive to pot plants. To produce this information could be done only at disproportionate cost.
	Any expenditure that is incurred is in accordance with the principles of Managing Public Money and the Treasury handbook on Regularity and Propriety.

Departmental Translation Services

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on translation services by his Department, associated agencies and non-departmental public bodies in  (a) 2003-04,  (b) 2004-05,  (c) 2005-06,  (d) 2006-07 and  (e) to date in 2007-08.  [Official Report, 30 April 2008, Vol. 475, c. 5MC.]

Shaun Woodward: The following amounts were spent by the Northern Ireland Office, its associated agencies and non-departmental bodies including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Prison Service on translation services:
	 (a) 2003-04: £415,024.17
	 (b) 2004-05: £484,535.29
	 (c) 2005-06: £1,214,706.93
	 (d) 2006-07: £912,123.00
	 (e) to date in 2007-08: the return has not been completed for this period yet but as soon as the figures become available we shall provide the hon. Member with this information.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department further to the Prime Minister's comments on tackling binge drinking at her press conference on 28 January 2008, what additional powers are planned for local authorities to tackle excessive drinking in town centres.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 1 February 2008
	In her speech of 6 February 2008, the Home Secretary made it clear that the Home Office will consider whether the existing laws on the confiscation of alcohol from young people are adequate. The Home Secretary also said that she will consider changing the law if necessary, to make it clear that drinking in public by those people under the age of 18 is unacceptable.
	Additionally, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport said in his statement of 4 March 2008, that the offence of persistently selling alcohol to children would be changed from 'three strikes' to 'two strikes' in three months. The Government will legislate to increase the maximum fine for not obeying an instruction to stop drinking in a designated public place from £500 to £2500. Other issues which may not require legislation include making it easier for the Police to disperse antisocial drinkers and we will extend the alcohol arrest referral pilots so that under 18s may also benefit from a brief intervention from a trained worker.

Animal Experiments

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her response is to recommendation 17 of the Animal Procedures Committee's 2005 report on the "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals".

Meg Hillier: We will shortly be reviewing our response to all of the recommendations in this Animal Procedures Committee report, including recommendation 17, and will aim to publish our further conclusions when we publish the "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals 2007".

Canvey Island

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions access to Canvey Island via the  (a) A130 and  (b) Fleet Road was temporarily closed by the police in each of the last 10 years.

Vernon Coaker: h olding answer 4 March 2008
	 : The Information is not collected centrally or recorded by Essex police. Essex police recognise the impact of any closure to strategic roads and will always seek to divert traffic and/or re-open the road as quickly as possible. They need, however, to balance this against the priorities of dealing with incidents and any resulting criminal investigation.

Canvey Island

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate she has made of the average time taken for the police to respond to an emergency call on Canvey Island when the A130 access road is blocked.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 5 March 2008
	This information is not collected centrally and is not recorded by Essex police.

Domestic Violence: Homicide

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were killed by their partner or ex-partner in each of the last 10 years; how many of these victims had previously contacted the police regarding their partner or ex-partner; how many of the perpetrators had previously been charged with an offence relating to domestic violence; and how many of the perpetrators were on bail when the offence took place.

Vernon Coaker: Available data from the Homicide Index relate to offences currently recorded as homicides in England and Wales as at 12 November 2007. Latest analysis is published in "Homicides, Firearm Offences and Intimate Violence 2006/07" (Home Office Statistical Bulletin 03/08), which can be found at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/hosb0308.pdf
	The number and percentage of homicide victims by relationship of victim to principal suspect are shown in table 1.05.
	The additional requested information cannot be provided as it has not been collected by the Home Office.

Identity Cards: Contracts

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to which external companies and agencies her Department has awarded contracts for the identity cards programme.

Meg Hillier: Since the merger of the Home Office Identity Cards Programme and the UK Passport Service to create the Identity and Passport Service in April 2006, projects to deliver enhancements to passports, identity cards and other improvements have been necessarily combined.
	Much of the work conducted by Identity and Passport Service cannot be categorised, both financially and operationally, as contributing towards either the introduction of passports with facial images and fingerprints or identity cards alone. Consequently it is not possible to identify which external companies and agencies have been awarded contracts solely for the identity cards programme.

Offensive Weapons: Children

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent estimate her Department has made of the numbers of children who carry knives.

Vernon Coaker: The Home Office funded the 2005 Offending, Crime and Justice survey, which was a household survey of people aged between 10 and 25 years. National level findings of this survey, which included questions on the carrying and use of knives, are published. The latest published figures indicate that 4 per cent. of young people aged between 10 and 17 years had carried a knife in the previous 12 months. The results from the 2005 survey can be found on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs06/hosb1706.pdf

Passports: Glasgow

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passport requests were received by mail at the Glasgow Passport Office  (a) in the latest year for which figures are available and  (b) in each of the previous five years.

Meg Hillier: The requested information is given in the table.
	
		
			  Glasgow  Postal applications received 
			 2003 567,369 
			 2004 568,186 
			 2005 591,048 
			 2006 652,619 
			 2007 554,784

Passports: Glasgow

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage change there has been in the Glasgow Passport Office's workload in the last 12 months.

Meg Hillier: The requested information is given in the table.
	
		
			  Glasgow  Passport Office 
			   Intake 
			 January 2007 46,981 
			 January 2008 43,306 
			 Percentage change 8.5

Passports: Personation

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will review the procedure for returning expired passports to their holders in order to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Meg Hillier: The Secure Delivery service, which is used by the Identity and Passport Service to send out new passports, is available for passport applicants to have their expired passports returned to them. Applicants are encouraged to opt for this service, for which a fee of £3 is charged. Where this service is not chosen, expired passports are returned by second class post, the cost of which is included in the application fee. All expired passports are cancelled before being returned. These arrangements are kept under review.

Theft: Metals

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what progress has been made in reducing crime by the national task force on metal thefts; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what assistance she is planning to give to Operation Saruman in Cambridgeshire on the reduction of metal theft; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: The national task force on metal theft set up by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is currently developing its plan for co-ordinated preventative and enforcement action on metal theft.
	The plan will be the focus of a national conference on metal thefts on 25 March 2008 which will be attended by representatives from the public and private sectors. The conference follows a national day of action on 28 January 2008, the results of which are currently being collated.
	We are aware of police operations against metal thieves in several different force areas including Operation Saruman in Cambridgeshire. A significant part of the developing action plan will outline how local operations can be supported by national and regional partners including the provision of good practice advice and examination of the effectiveness of current legislation.

Vehicle Number Plates: Police

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent guidance she has issued to police on illegal vehicle number plates; and if she will make a statement.

Vernon Coaker: Enforcement of the law on illegal vehicle number plates is an operational matter for the police. At the end of January this year police forces across the country joined together in "Operation Larch". The operation was intended to provide evidence on links between illegal number plates and wider criminality, inform debate on changes that might be proposed and maximise disruption to criminal activity. I look forward to the police collation and analysis of data from this operation.

Youth Taskforce

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with ministerial colleagues in the Department for Children, Schools and Families on setting the priorities for the Youth Taskforce.

Vernon Coaker: The Government's response to youth crime is cross-cutting.
	The Youth Task Force's forthcoming action plan will be agreed by Ministers across Government, and Ministers and officials from both Home Office and Department for Children Schools and Families have been involved in discussions on the priorities of the Youth Taskforce.

JUSTICE

Immigration: Deportation

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many of the 359 appeals against a notice of intent to deport between 1 August and 31 October 2006 were successful; on what grounds they were successful; and how many of those that were successful cited breach of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights as a ground for appeal.

Jack Straw: Of the 359 oral appeal hearings against a notice of intent to deport held at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal between 1 August and 31 October 2006, 70 were successful.
	The grounds, and any specific articles of the European Convention on Human Rights, cited in any appeal which was successful could not be determined without examination of the individual files. This would incur disproportionate cost to the Tribunal.

Licensed Premises: Closures

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many closure notices have been given to premises licence holders for persistently selling alcohol to children since the coming into force of section 23 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I have been asked to reply.
	This information is not currently held centrally.
	The latest DCMS Statistical Bulletin on Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment, which shows a breakdown of licensing data between April 2006 and March 2007, was published on 8 November 2007. The most recent data therefore covers the period prior to section 23 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 coming into effect in April 2007.

Matrimonial Proceedings

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many legal aid certificates have been issued  (a) in total and  (b) in relation to ancillary relief within matrimonial proceedings in (i) south region, (ii) London region, (iii) midlands region, (iv) Wales region and (v) north region since 2004.

Maria Eagle: Ancillary relief related cases are not separately recorded by the Legal Services Commission, but are classified under 'financial provision proceedings'. Also included under this heading are: property adjustment/lump sum orders, periodical payments orders and transfers of tenancy. The table outlines the total number of civil legal aid certificates issued and the number of legal aid certificates issued for 'financial provision proceedings' in each financial year since 2004.
	The number of certificates issued for financial provision has shown a steady decline since 2004-05. This is partly due to changes made to eligibility for legal aid for ancillary relief, introduced in October 2005, which tightened the criteria where alternative sources of funding may be available.
	
		
			   London  Midlands  North  South  Wales  Total 
			  Total certificates   
			 2006-07 26,513 35,814 52,184 28,638 8,656 151,805 
			 2005-06 26,711 36,854 51,748 30,750 8,921 154,984 
			 2004-05 27,176 36,310 50,970 30,751 9,304 154,511 
			
			  Certificates for financial provision proceedings 
			 2006-07 1,616 5,564 6,277 4,323 1,301 19,081 
			 2005-06 1,673 6,828 7,019 5,587 1,440 22,547 
			 2004-05 1,937 7,091 7,173 6,179 1,601 23,981 
			  Notes: 1. Certificates are classified according to the location of the lead supplier. 2. These totals have been revised to include back-dated certificates issued after year-end. 3. Certificates are classified according to the first or main proceedings. 4. Further information has led to the reclassification of a few certificates previously reported under financial provision proceedings.

Proceeds of Crime Acts 2002: Prosecutions

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many  (a) successful and  (b) unsuccessful prosecutions under the Proceeds of Crime Acts 2002 and 2005 there have been; how much has been recovered under these Acts; and what the cost of recovery was.

Maria Eagle: The information requested covering defendants found guilty at all courts and unsuccessful prosecutions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002(1) for money laundering offences for the years 2003-06 have been provided in the table.
	(1) The proceeds of Crime Act 2002 was amended by the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.
	
		
			  Number of defendants found guilty at all courts for offences under the Proceeds of Crime act 2002, and the number of 'unsuccessful prosecutions', England and Wales 2003-06( 1,2,3) 
			   Found guilty  Unsuccessful prosecutions 
			 2003 15 25 
			 2004 129 101 
			 2005 564 379 
			 2006 1,262 618 
			 (1) These data are provided on the principal offence basis. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the police forces and courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those date are used. (3) Includes defendants acquitted at crown courts, cases dismissed and 'left on file', juries discharged and cases where there is 'no case to answer' or no evidence offered. 
		
	
	Information provided by the Home Office shows that the total amounts of criminal assets recovered in England Wales and Northern Ireland in the years 2003-04 to 2006-07 are as follows:
	
		
			   £ million 
			 2003-04 54.5 
			 2004-05 84.4 
			 2005-06 96.6 
			 2006-07 125 
		
	
	Information on the cost of recovery is not held by the Ministry of Justice.

Public Protection

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many critical public protection cases there were at the most recent date for which figures are available; and what mechanisms are in place for public protection in relation to those cases.

Maria Eagle: As at 4 March, there are 153 critical public protection cases registered with the Public Protection Unit (PPU) in the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). Each critical public protection case is managed under the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Within MAPPA, the Police, Probation and Prison Services collaborate to assess and manage the risks presented by offenders, with co-operation from a number of other agencies. The NOMS PPU may provide additional funds to support local risk management arrangements for critical public protection cases.

Youth Opportunities Fund: Finance

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much was allocated to the Youth Opportunities Fund and the Youth Capital Fund in the City of Newcastle  (a) in total and  (b) for administrative overheads and recharges in each year from 2005-06 to 2007-08.

Beverley Hughes: I have been asked to reply.
	The Youth Opportunity and Capital Funds (YOF and YCF) were established in April 2006 as complementary, universal funds operating under a single management framework. In 2006-07, £179,521 was allocated to the city of Newcastle for YOF and £155,271 was allocated for YCF. The same amounts were allocated to the city of Newcastle in 2007-08. In each of these years, up to £15,000 of the YOF allocation could be used for administrative overheads.
	In 2006-07, the city of Newcastle spent both its YOF and YCF allocations in full. Details of 2007-08 expenditure are due to be submitted to the Department for Children, Schools and Families by the end of June.

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

Departmental Recycling

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what weight of paper his Department recycled in each of the last five years.

Kevin Brennan: In the five years to 2006/07 my Department's predecessor, the Department for Education and Skills, reported the following volumes of paper recycled:
	
		
			   Recycled paper (metric tonnes) 
			 2002/03 377.3 
			 2003/04 416.52 
			 2004/05 367 
			 2005/06 (1)1,082.62 
			 2006/07 868.88 
			 (1) Information on office paper waste was not separately identified for this year but information on a project to recycle Departmental publications was.

Drinking Water

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much his Department spent on bottled water in the latest year for which figures are available.

Kevin Brennan: The total spend on bottled water for the Department for Children, Schools and Families' predecessor Department DFES for 2006-07 was £53,000 per annum.

Educational Visits: Negligence

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what representations he has received on the impact of the provisions of the Compensation Act 2006 on school visits; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many awards have been made under the Compensation Act 2006 for claims of negligence or breaches of statutory duties by teachers on school visits.

Jim Knight: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 5 March 2008,  Official Report, column 2644W.

English Language

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how much his Department has spent on English language classes for staff in the last year for which figures are available.

Kevin Brennan: The Department does not provide or fund English language classes for staff.
	The Department has signed and is committed to the Government Skills Pledge to encourage and support all staff to achieve at least a full level 2 qualification. Some element of this support may in a few cases include supporting the attainment of basic literacy. This is provided via local colleges and incurs no direct cost to the Department

Ministerial Visits

Robert Wareing: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will make a statement on his visit to Liverpool, West Derby constituency on Friday 1 February 2008; at whose invitation he attended; where he visited; and whom he met.

Edward Balls: I did not visit Liverpool, West Derby constituency on 1 February 2008.

Physical Education: Teachers

Hugh Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2008,  Official Report, column 927W, on physical education: teachers, if he will breakdown the figure of 1,570 physical education initial teacher training (ITT) places between those which are  (a) school-centred and  (b) employer-based.

Jim Knight: holding answer 29 February 2008
	The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) has allocated 1,130(1) of the 1,570 places available for physical educational Initial Teacher Training in 2008/09 to mainstream training providers. The remaining 440(1) places will be for Employment Based Routes which have yet to be allocated to specific providers.
	(1) Source :
	TDA
	 Note
	Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

Pupils: English Language

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what percentage of children in schools in Lincolnshire speak English as a second language.

Jim Knight: The information is available in the following table. This can be found in tables 34 and 35 of Statistical First Release 'Schools and Pupils in England: January 2007 (Final)', which is available on the Department's website:
	http:/www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s000744/index. shtml
	
		
			  Maintained schools ( 1) : Number and percentage of pupils by first language, January 2007 
			Number of pupils whose first language is known or believed to be other than English  Percentage of pupils whose first language is known or believed to be other than English( 2)  Number of pupils whose first language is known or believed to be English  Percentage of pupils whose first language is known or believed to be English( 2)  Unclassified( 3)  Percentage unclassified  Total( 4,5) 
			   Primary Schools   
			  England(5) 447,480 13.5 2,855,830 86.4 1,070 0.0 3,304,370 
			 925 Lincolnshire 1,230 2.8 42,480 97.2 (6)— (6)— 43,710 
			  
			   Secondary Schools   
			  England(5) 342,240 10.5 2,924,050 89.5 1,860 0.1 3,268,160 
			 925 Lincolnshire 1,170 2.4 47,310 97.6 (6)— (6)— 48,480 
			 (1) Includes middle schools as deemed (2) The number of pupils by their first language expressed as a percentage of the number of pupils of compulsory school age and above. (3) Information was not sought or refused. (4) Total number of pupils of compulsory school age and above. Excludes dually registered pupils. (5) National and regional totals, and totals across each local authority have been rounded to the nearest 10. (6) 1 or 2 pupils, or a rate based on 1 or 2 pupils.

Schools: Community Relations

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps the Government has taken to assist schools with the promotion of community cohesion since 1997.

Beverley Hughes: Good schools, through improvements to their teaching and learning; and through work to narrow achievement gaps and engagement with the community, have been developing an understanding and appreciation of others among their pupils and preparing them for active participation in a diverse society,
	The Education and Inspections Act 2006 placed a new duty to promote community cohesion on the governing body of maintained schools in England, which came into effect from 1 September 2007. Guidance to schools on the new duty was issued in July 2007. Ofsted plan to inspect schools against this duty from September 2008 as part of school inspections.
	Furthermore, we launched the Schools Linking Network on 3 October 2007 to support schools in linking with other schools and encourage interaction between pupils from different backgrounds A national conference and nine regional conferences were held to raise awareness of the duty. Currently, we are developing a resource pack to provide further practical support for schools in meeting the duty.

Schools: Offensive Weapons

Michael Gove: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many people were convicted for possession of a blade or offensive weapon on school premises in  (a) 2005,  (b) 2006 and  (c) 2007.

Vernon Coaker: I have been asked to reply.
	Data on convictions for possession of knives and offensive weapons on school premises for 2005 and 2006 are provided in the following table.
	Data for 2007 will be available in autumn of this year.
	
		
			  Number of persons found guilty for having an article with a blade or point or an offensive weapon on school premises, England and Wales, 2005 and 2006( 1, 2, 3) 
			   Article with a blade or point( 4)  Offensive weapons 
			 2005 44 29 
			 2006 45 36 
			 (1) These data are provided on the principal offence basis. (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the police forces and courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (3) Offences under Criminal Justice Act 1988 SS.139 and 139(2) as added by Offensive Weapons Act 1996 S.4(1) (4) Figures for this offence for 2005 exclude convictions in West Mercia PFA due to an issue with the data.

Teenage Pregnancy

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps the Government has taken to reduce teenage pregnancy rates since 1997.

Beverley Hughes: The Teenage Pregnancy Strategy was launched in 1999 and included:
	the establishment of a media campaign aimed at 13 to 17-year-olds;
	measures to improve the quality of sex and relationships education (SRE) in schools;
	measures to improve sexually active young people's access to contraceptive and sexual health services;
	support for parents to talk to their children about sex and relationship issues; and
	additional support to help teenage parents and their children achieve better outcomes.
	Between 1998 (the baseline year for the Strategy) and 2006 (the latest year for which data are available), the under-18 conception rate has fallen by 13.3 per cent. to its lowest level for over 20 years. The under-16 rate has fallen by 13.0 per cent. over the same period.
	As well as giving young people the 'means' to avoid teenage pregnancies, we are also tackling the underlying factors that increase their risk of teenage pregnancy—low attainment, poverty, early disengagement from learning and low aspirations—through the Every Child Matters reforms.

Written Questions

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  when he will answer questions  (a) 163291,  (b) 163205,  (c) 163194,  (d) 163314,  (e) 163318,  (f) 163211,  (g) 163320,  (h) 163319,  (i) 163310,  (j) 163386,  (k) 163193,  (l) 163102,  (m) 163455,  (n) 163548,  (o) 163554,  (p) 163534,  (q) 163759,  (r) 163564,  (s) 163557,  (t) 164018,  (u) 163821,  (v) 164017,  (w) 163765,  (x) 163766,  (y) 163762,  (z) 173767,  (aa) 163764,  (ab) 163311 and  (ac) 163209 tabled by the hon. Member for Yeovil;
	(2)  when he will answer questions  (a) 164444,  (b) 164421,  (c) 164420,  (d) 166028,  (e) 166037,  (f) 164423,  (g) 166105,  (h) 166107,  (i) 166030,  (j) 165755,  (k) 166686,  (l) 166106,  (m) 168199,  (n) 168191,  (o) 166731,  (p) 169801,  (q) 167782,  (r) 168194,  (s) 169834,  (t) 169839,  (u) 169832,  (v) 169838,  (w) 169800,  (x) 169833,  (y) 169837,  (z) 170196,  (aa) 170790 and  (ab) 170786 tabled by the hon. Member for Yeovil.

Kevin Brennan: The Department has responded to all of the above parliamentary questions. PQ 173767 was not allocated to this Department but a check with the official report indicates that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has issued a response. We were informed that PQ 165755 had been withdrawn as the text of the PQ was identical to PQ163222 which has received a full reply.

INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS

Citizenship: Young People

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps his Department has undertaken in consequence of the Resolution of the Council of the European Union of 14 November 2006 on participation by and information for young people in view of promoting their active citizenship; and if he will make a statement.

Beverley Hughes: I have been asked to reply
	;
	The Resolution of the November 2006 European Council is consistent with the considerable work we are doing in this country under 'Aiming High' the Government's 10-year strategy for young people published in July 2007. This strategy has the objective of improving the life chances of young people and their relations with the communities in which they live through participation in positive leisure-time opportunities, activities and improved support services.

Music: Internet

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many prosecutions there have been for the illegal  (a) copying and  (b) downloading from the internet of music under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: The Government keep no central records of specific prosecutions for illegal copying and downloading from the internet of music under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Near Earth Objects Task Force

Lembit �pik: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many of the recommendations of the Near Earth Objects Task Group's report  (a) have been implemented,  (b) are in the process of being implemented,  (c) have not been commenced and  (d) will not be implemented; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: The last update to the Government response to the task force recommendations was issued in January 2005. At that time, it was decided that many of the issues had moved on significantly from 2000 when the recommendations were made and that there was limited value in revisiting them in their original form. The UK Government remain committed however to their original policy, namely to address this global issue at an international level. The recent establishment of a working group on NEOs within the United Nations, chaired by the UK, and emerging opportunities such as ESA's plan for a space situational awareness programme; encompassing NEOs, demonstrates that the UK remains effective in delivering on this commitment.

Science and Technology Facilities Council: Finance

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what discussions he had with Scottish academic institutions before deciding upon the budget for the Science and Technology Facilities Council.

Ian Pearson: holding answer 29 February 2008
	 The Department holds regular discussions with Scottish academics and their institutions on issues across the research funding agenda.

Training: Young People

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what proportion of  (a) 16,  (b) 17 and  (c) 18 year-olds in 2006 are in (i) jobs without training, (ii) other education and training and (iii) employer funded training; and how many are in (A) full-time and (B) part-time jobs for each category.

Beverley Hughes: I have been asked to reply.
	Estimates of participation in education for those aged 16-18 are published annually by the Department in a statistical first release (SFR) each June. The most recent estimates of the number and proportion of academic age 16, 17, and 18 year-olds in England in (i) jobs without training, (ii) other education and training and (iii) employer funded training, along with full-time education and work based learning at end 2006 are shown in the Tables 1 and 2 provided with this answer.
	The Department does not publish breakdowns of these estimates by full-time/part-time employment. However, it is possible to produce estimates of this from the Labour Force survey (LFS), applying survey estimates of proportions in full/part-time employment in each group to the official figures above. Estimates for England, thus calculated, are shown in the Tables 3 and 4 provided with this answer. It is important to note that the LFS will produce estimates that will be subject to sampling error and respondent error. Estimates from Quarter 4 2006 and Quarter 1 2007 have been combined to improve accuracy.
	
		
			  Table 1 :  Participation in Education and Training by 16-18 year olds in England, end 2006 
			  Rates 
			   Age 
			 16  17  18  16-18 
			 Full-time education(1) (Percentage) 78.1 65.0 40.8 61.1 
			 Work Based Learning (Percentage) 5.7 7.8 7.2 6.9 
			 Employer Funded Training (Percentage) 2.3 4.0 7.4 4.6 
			 Other Education and Training (Percentage) 3.9 4.9 5.8 4.9 
			 Jobs Without Training (Percentage) 3.9 9.0 24.1 12.4 
			 Not in any education, employment or training (Percentage) 6.5 9.5 14.8 10.3 
			 Population (Number) 662,300 659,500 679,800 2,001,600 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Participation in Education and Training by 16-18 year olds in England, end 2006 
			  Number 
			   Age 
			 16  17  18  16-18 
			 Full-time education(1) 516,900 428,600 277,500 1,223,000 
			 Work Based Learning 37,700 51,600 49,300 138,500 
			 Employer Funded Training 15,000 26,700 50,100 91,700 
			 Other Education and Training 25,600 32,000 39,700 97,300 
			 Jobs Without Training 25,600 59,300 163,500 248,400 
			 Not in any education, employment or training 42,800 62,700 100,700 206,200 
			 Population 662,300 659,500 679,800 2,001,600 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3 - Participation in Education and Training by employment type for 16-18 year olds in England, end 2006 
			  Rates 
			   Age 
			   16  17  18  16-18 
			 Full time education(1) (Percentage) 78.1 65.0 40.8 61.1 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 0.3 0.6 0.7 0.5 
			 Part-time Job 23.9 29.6 14.0 22.4 
			 Not in employment 53.8 34.8 26.1 38.1 
			  
			 Work Based Learning(1)( )(Percentage) 5.7 7.8 7.2 6.9 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 2.0 4.1 5.4 3.4 
			 Part-time Job 3.7 3.7 1.8 3.5 
			  
			 Employer Funded Training (Percentage) 2.3 4.0 7.4 4.6 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 1.9 3.4 6.2 3.8 
			 Part-time Job 0.4 0.6 1.2 0.7 
			  
			 Other Education and Training(2 )(Percentage) 3.9 4.9 5.8 4.9 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 0.1 0.4 1.3 0.7 
			 Part-time Job 0.7 1.3 1.2 1.1 
			 Not in employment 3.0 3.2 3.3 3.1 
			  
			 Jobs Without Training (Percentage) 3.9 9.0 24.1 12.4 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 1.9 5.5 16.7 8.1 
			 Part-time Job 2.0 3.5 7.3 4.3 
			  
			 Not in any education, employment or training (Percentage) 6.5 9.5 14.8 10.3 
			  
			 Population (Number) 662,300 659,500 679,800 2,001,600 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 4 :  Participation in Education and Training by employment type for 16-18 year olds in England, end 2006 
			  Number 
			 Age 
			   16  17  18  16-18 
			 Full time education(1) 516,900 428,600 277,500 1,223,000 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 2,300 3,900 4,700 10,900 
			 Part-time Job 158,300 195,100 95,200 449,300 
			 Not in employment 356,400 229,600 177,600 762,800 
			  
			 Work Based Learning(1) 37,700 51,600 49,300 138,500 
			  O f which: 
			 Full-time Job 13,100 26,900 36,700 69,000 
			 Part-time Job 24,600 24,700 12,600 69,500 
			  
			 Employer Funded Training 15,000 26,700 50,100 91,700 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 12,500 22,600 41,800 76,900 
			 Part-time Job 2,500 4,100 8,200 14,700 
			  
			 Other Education and Training(2) 25,600 32,000 39,700 97,300 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 700 2,600 9,200 13,400 
			 Part-time Job 4,800 8,500 8,300 21,200 
			 Not in employment 20,100 20,900 22,200 62,700 
			  
			 Jobs Without Training 25,600 59,300 163,500 248,400 
			  Of which: 
			 Full-time Job 12,400 36,200 113,600 161,700 
			 Part-time Job 13,200 23,100 49,900 86,700 
			  
			 Not in any education, employment or training 42,800 62,700 100,700 206,200 
			  
			 Population 662,300 659,500 679,800 2,001,600 
			 (1) Due to rounding and a very small overlap between the Full-time education and WBL figures, columns may not add up to 100 per cent. (2) Includes part-time education not funded by employers or through WBL; also full- or part-time education in independent FE and HE institutions.

UK Astronomy Technology Centre

David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills 
	(1)  what representations he has received on the funding of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre;
	(2)  what steps he has taken to ensure that the UK Astronomy Technology Centre remains operational prior to the publication of the Wakeham review.

Ian Pearson: holding answer 29 February 2008
	 I have received a number of representations from the general public about the funding of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC). UKATC, which is owned by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is a world leader in the design and construction of instruments to many of the world's major telescopes. However, STFC's demand for its services has declined since the UK joined the European Southern Observatory in 2002.
	The STFC is looking at the future of the Astronomy Technology Centre in relation to the potential demand for its services and the council's science budget allocation. STFC is exploring the possibility of a partnership that makes use of the unique skills in the ATC and applies them to a wider portfolio, and it will look to work with the local universities and local funding agencies in taking that forward. It is too early to say what the outcome of these discussions will be.
	STFC issued a notice on 2 January calling for voluntary redundancies across all its activities. In line with previous announcements, the SRS (Synchrotron Radiation Source) at Daresbury will close on 31 December 2008 but STFC has not taken a decision on whether any compulsory redundancies (other than those relating to SRS) will be needed.
	The cross-council review led by Bill Wakeham, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton university, and commissioned by Research Councils UK, will examine the health of physics research and I expect the review panel to report to RCUK over summer 2008.

DEFENCE

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the security situation in the Afghan provinces of  (a) Nimruz,  (b) Farah and  (c) Herat.

Des Browne: The Taliban have launched opportunistic raids on district centres in the western provinces of Nimruz, Herat and particularly Farah. Both ISAF and the Afghan National Army have conducted surge operations in these provinces to counter the threat and ensure that security is maintained.
	Compared to many areas of eastern and southern Afghanistan these provinces experience less violence, the majority of which is the result of low-level criminality and clashes among local power brokers. Herat in particular has benefited from a sustained period of relative stability, reconstruction and growth.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the security situation in  (a) Kunduz and  (b) Badakhshan province.

Des Browne: The security situation in both Kunduz and Badakhshan is steady. Compared to many areas of eastern and southern Afghanistan these provinces experience fewer incidents of violence, the majority of which is the result of low-level criminality linked to drug smuggling and local criminal gangs.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the security situation in Helmand province.

Des Browne: ISAF and the Afghan armed forces continue to engage in successful operations against the Taliban in Helmand, pushing them back from populated areas and bringing more of the province under the control of the Government of Afghanistan.
	Nevertheless, the insurgents continue to pose a threat through improvised explosive devices, suicide bombers and opportunistic attacks.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Peter Kilfoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what equipment is available to British forces in Afghanistan for jamming Taleban communications.

Des Browne: I am withholding information on equipment capability as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Armed Forces

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what  (a) operational control,  (b) administrative control,  (c) technical control and (d) other command relationship there is between British and non-British forces (i) operating in Helmand Province and (ii) deployed on ESDP military operations by unit down to the battalion level; and what the nationality is of each unit.

Des Browne: The only permanent non-UK battalion-sized unit from the International Stabilisation Force (ISAF) based in Helmand province is provided by Denmark. It is under the Operational Control of the UK Commander of Task Force Helmand.
	The Afghan National Army (ANA) currently deploys five units of battalion size or greater in Helmand province. Their operations are closely coordinated with ISAF operations, including through the use of Operational Mentoring, Liaison and Training Teams, although there is no formal command relationship between ISAF and ANA units.
	Other non-UK units may, on occasion, temporarily deploy into Helmand province for specific missions: the precise command relationships with these units will vary dependent on the precise nature of their operational taskings. The UK does not have any battalion level units conducting ESDP operations.

Armed Forces: Publications

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the joint service publications  (a) JSP 717,  (b) JSP 745,  (c) JSP 745 and  (d) JSP 766.

Derek Twigg: I have arranged for copies of JSP 717 Using the MOD Metadata Standard and JSP 766 The Defence Directive on Employer Support, to be placed in the Library of the House.
	JSP 745MOD Web Publishing Policy is still in draft and is not yet available for publication.

Armed Forces: Recruitment

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what data are retained by his Department on people who applied to join the armed forces but did not sign up; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: I refer the hon. Member to the oral statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 21 January 2008,  Official Report, column 1225.
	The extent of the details retained on any individual depends upon what stage of the recruit selection process an applicant either opted out or was found to be not suitable. In all cases this would include all personal details as requested on the armed forces application form (AFCO form 4). For those whose applications are progressed, details of medical and selection process results and possibly security clearance results, may also be retained.

Armed Forces: Shipping

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which vessels make up the Amphibious Fleet; and where they are base-ported.

Bob Ainsworth: The Amphibious Fleet consists of HM Ships Ocean (landing platform helicopter), Albion and Bulwark (landing ship dock), which are base ported at Devonport as well as the four Bay Class landing ship dock (auxiliary) vesselsLargs Bay, Lyme Bay, Mounts Bay and Cardigan Baywhich are not base ported at a specific location.

Armed Forces: Shipping

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what level in his Department decisions are taken to remove ships or submarines from their port and base-port them elsewhere.

Bob Ainsworth: Recommendations to make changes to the base ports of ships and submarines are generally considered by the Navy Board. Depending on the nature and scale of these recommendations, Ministers will usually be consulted before a final decision is taken.

Ballistic Missile Defence

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the possible development of a European research and development programme for technical and industrial capabilities related to the US missile defence system.

Des Browne: The UK continues to work with European allies, through NATO, on a number of research and development programmes related to missile defence.

BOWMAN Combat Radio System

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what percentage of UK  (a) Regular and  (b) Territorial Army personnel are trained to use the Bowman communications system;
	(2)  what the recommended minimum time period for pre-deployment training is for use of the Bowman communications system;
	(3)  what the average time taken for pre-deployment training is for use of the Bowman communications system.

Bob Ainsworth: 95 per cent. of Regular Army units have been trained to use the Bowman Communications System. In addition a limited number of Territorial Army (TA) units and those TA personnel deployed on operations as augmentees, amounting to about 5 per cent. of the TA, have also received Bowman training; this figure will increase significantly during the next two years as Bowman training rolls out to the Territorial Army as a whole.
	There is no specific pre-deployment training (PDT) on the Bowman Communications System. The utilisation of Bowman, the primary means of tactical command and control, is a theme which runs continuously throughout PDT.
	The use of Bowman is just one of a series of basic soldiering skills that are continuously employed, and an established programme is already in place to ensure that Army personnel who require Bowman training will receive it. The minimum time required for a soldier to be trained in the 'basic' use of Bowman is three days. If required, remedial training is also provided during PDT.

Challenger Tanks: Repairs and Maintenance

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what system is used to ensure that there is sufficient spare track in theatre for Challenger 2 main battle tanks;
	(2)  how much track for Challenger 2 main battle tanks is kept in storage by his Department.

Bob Ainsworth: The British Army uses the GLOBAL computer system which predicts the usage of spare tracks and subsequently orders as required through the joint supply chain to maintain a pre-determined level of stock. In the case of Challenger 2, the data from which GLOBAL predicts the demand has been built up over a significant period of time, ensuring this item does not run out. Demands from operational theatres take precedence over those supporting training activity.
	A total of 95 full vehicle sets of track for Challenger 2 are currently held in storage.

Clyde Submarine Base

Gary Streeter: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which ships or submarines are base-ported at Faslane.

Bob Ainsworth: There are 15 Royal Navy vessels currently base ported at HM Naval Base Clyde (Faslane), as shown in the following table:
	
		
			  Class of vessel  Name of vessel 
			 Nuclear submarines HMS Vanguard 
			  HMS Victorious 
			  HMS Vigilant 
			  HMS Vengeance 
			  HMS Superb 
			  HMS Sceptre 
			   
			 Mine Countermeasures Vessels HMS Walney 
			  HMS Penzance 
			  HMS Pembroke 
			  HMS Grimsby 
			  HMS Bangor 
			  HMS Ramsay 
			  HMS Blyth 
			  HMS Shoreham 
			 P2000 HMS Smiter

Defence Equipment

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  what percentage of  (a) weapons mounted installation kits,  (b) Warrior vehicles,  (c) Saxon vehicles,  (d) Scimitar vehicles,  (e) combat vehicle reconnaissance tracked vehicles and  (f) .5 inch heavy machine guns have been fit for service in each year since 2003;
	(2)  how many  (a) weapons mounted installation kits,  (b) Warrior vehicles,  (c) Saxon vehicles,  (d) Scimitar vehicles and  (e) combat vehicle reconnaissance tracked vehicles were available for army training in each year since 1997.

Bob Ainsworth: Officials are currently compiling information from a range of sources which will take some time to complete. I will therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of his Department's civil servants were  (a) suspended and  (b) dismissed for accessing (i) obscene and (ii) other prohibited material on work computers in each of the last five years.

Derek Twigg: Since April 2007, one civilian has been suspended and dismissed for an offence relating to misuse of IT facilities, including accessing inappropriate material. Information for previous years is not held centrally in the format requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Department's rules make clear that deliberate abuse of IT facilities to access inappropriate material is a serious disciplinary offence for which dismissal is likely to be the appropriate penalty.

Departmental Older Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people over the age of 55 years have been recruited by his Department in each of the last three years.

Derek Twigg: The following table shows the intake of UK Regular Forces and Civilian personnel aged 55 and above for each of the last three years.
	
		
			  Headcount 
			   2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 UK Regular Forces(1, 2 )personnel intake aged 55 and above (3) (3) (3, 4) 
			 Civilian(5) personnel intake aged 55 and above 900 570 570 
			 Combined UK Regular Forces(1, 2 )and Civilian(3) personnel intake aged 55 and above 900 570 (4)570 
			 (1) UK Regular Forces includes nursing services and excluded Full Time Reserve Service personnel, Gurkhas, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists. It includes trained and untrained personnel. (2) Due to ongoing validation of data from the new joint personnel administration system, UK Regular Forces statistics from 1 October 2006 are provisional and subject to review. (3) Denotes less than 10. (4) Denotes provisional. (5) Civilian intake data for the top level budgets and trading funds, but excludes data for locally engaged civilians and Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel for whom intake data by age is not known.  Note: All numbers have been rounded to the nearest 10.  Source: DASA Quad-Service.

Drinking Water

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on mineral water in each of the last three years.

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on bottled water in the latest year for which figures are available.

Derek Twigg: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Iraq: Helicopters

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what fleets of helicopters are available to UK armed forces in  (a) Afghanistan and  (b) Iraq; and what future (i) enhancements and (ii) changes to the number of helicopters are planned by his Department.

Des Browne: holding answer 4 March 2008
	As of February 2008, the UK routinely deployed Chinook, Sea King, Lynx and Apache helicopters in Afghanistan and Merlin, Puma and Lynx helicopters in support of operations in Iraq.
	The Ministry of Defence keeps helicopter numbers and capability under constant review and the nature and scale of the assets we deploy can and does vary over time. I am withholding further details of our helicopter deployments as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
	As a result of experience on operations, we are taking steps to increase the robustness of our existing helicopter fleets, such as the purchase of the six Danish Merlin helicopters and the conversion of the eight Chinook Mk3 helicopters to a support helicopter role. We have carried out extensive modifications to improve the operational capability of our helicopters in response to urgent operational requirements, including fitting new rotor blades to a number of our Sea Kings to improve their performance in hot and high conditions, enabling their deployment to Afghanistan. We are also increasing the number of flying hours we will deliver each month to commanders on the ground in Afghanistan from our Chinook and Apache fleets.
	As we have made clear previously, UK forces in Afghanistan make use of civil helicopters provided through a NATO contract and our forces also routinely draw upon helicopters provided by other ISAF nations.

Iraq: Peacekeeping Operations

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the armed forces have not been provided with Osprey body armour on deployments in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement.

Des Browne: holding answer 4 March 2008
	A range of personal protective equipment is available to troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and commanders on the ground are able to choose the correct equipment appropriate for any particular set of operational circumstances. Enhanced combat body armour is provided as standard to all personnel in both theatres. Osprey body armour provides additional protection but at the expense of reduced mobility and increased heat retention. Osprey is not therefore issued as standard to all deploying forces but it is made available wherever and whenever commanders on the ground believe it to be the most appropriate protective equipment.
	We do not hold records centrally of which individuals have and have not been issued with Osprey body armour at any particular time. But sufficient sets of Osprey body armour are available in both Iraq and Afghanistan for all those personnel who require it.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department is spending in 2007-08 on new helicopters for the armed forces.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 4 March 2008
	The in-year budget for 2007-08 for all helicopter procurement projects is 317 million. By the end of March 2008, we forecast that we will spend almost all of the budget. Support and capability upgrade costs are not included in this figure.

Military Aircraft: Repairs and Maintenance

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many times a  (a) C17A Globemaster,  (b) Hercules C-130K,  (c) Hercules C-130J,  (d) Tristar,  (e) VC-10 and  (f) Nimrod MR2 was cannibalised for spare parts in each year since 2001;
	(2)  how many times a  (a) C17A Globemaster,  (b) Hercules C-130K,  (c) Hercules C130J,  (d) Tristar,  (e) VC-10 and  (f) Nimrod MR2 were cannibalised for spare parts in each month in 2007.

Bob Ainsworth: The removal of serviceable parts from one aircraft for use on another is a routine and temporary measure to ensure that the maximum numbers of aircraft are available to the front line.
	I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 30 January 2006,  Official Report, column 29W, and 15 January 2007,  Official Report, column 772W.

Sudan: Peacekeeping Operations

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the capability of the UK armed forces to  (a) participate and  (b) assist in the African Union/United Nations hybrid operation in Darfur; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: The United Nations/African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) is a hybrid mission, which succeeded the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). As such it was agreed on creation that the majority of its units would be from the African Union. Furthermore, due to our heavy commitments elsewhere, the MOD is not in a position to offer, or contribute, force elements or enablers to a United Nations mission in Sudan.
	However, the UK has provided several staff officers who are holding key positions in the UNAMID HQ in Sudan in order to increase the mission's capacity to deploy and operate effectively in Darfur. The UK Government are also working to support this Mission by helping troop contributing countries with the provision of equipment and training packages.

Warships

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which ships he expects to enter a period of extended readiness in 2008.

Bob Ainsworth: As explained in my predecessor's letter to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 6 March 2007, 'extended' readiness is not a term currently used by the MOD, in regard to the fleet. The normal operating cycle of every ship includes periods of low readiness, and in the course of 2008 a number of ships will enter periods of 'low' or 'very low' readiness depending on their programmes and departmental planning requirements.
	As outlined in the aforementioned letter, with the exception of HMS Invincible and ships in, or preparing for, refit, it remains MOD policy not to publish details of the readiness states of individual Royal Navy vessels or types for reasons of national security.
	In line with this policy, I can confirm that the following RN surface ships are currently at low or very low readiness: the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible; and the amphibious assault ship HMS Ocean, and three destroyers and frigates, HMS York, HMS Sutherland and HMS St. Albans, all of which are in refit.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Subsidies

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many single farm payments were made late in each of the last five years.

Jonathan R Shaw: The single payment scheme was introduced in 2005. The regulatory payment window for each scheme year commences on 1 December in the year of claim and ends on 30 June in the following year.
	For the 2005 scheme year, 25,690 claimants received either a full payment or the balancing sum, following an earlier manual or partial payment, after the payment window had closed. Nine claims are yet to be paid. For the 2006 scheme year, the equivalent figure is 2,533 claimants, with 69 claims yet to be fully processed. These figures exclude cases where top up payments have been made following corrections to entitlements or where other changes have been made to claim values following representations by claimants.

Agriculture: Subsidies

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the value was of interest payments made to claimants who received their full Single Payment scheme payment after the regulatory payment window in the  (a) 2005 and  (b) 2006 scheme years.

Jonathan R Shaw: The value of interest payments made to claimants who received their full Single Payment scheme (SPS) payment after the closing of the regulatory payment window are 2.4 million for SPS 2005 and 400,000 for SPS 2006.

Agriculture: Subsidies

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the  (a) number and  (b) value of overpayments made to Single Payment scheme (SPS) claimants was in the (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006 SPS; and what the amount recovered was in each case.

Jonathan R Shaw: Overpayments are currently estimated to total some 20.0 million to 10,299 applicants under the 2005 Single Payment scheme (SPS) and 17.6 million to 6,925 applicants under the 2006 SPS.
	Some 2.7 million as been recovered thus far.

Agriculture: Subsidies

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the  (a) number and  (b) value of underpayments made to Single Payment Scheme (SPS) claimants was in the (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006 SPS; and what amount is still owed in each case.

Jonathan R Shaw: RPA does not keep separate data on cases where a top up payment was required after a single payment scheme claim has been corrected. Nor can such data now be readily identified. RPA does retain data on changes in claim values but there is no automatic relationship between those data and underpayments because manual or partial payments may have been made to the claimant. The latest available data shows that claim values in respect of 2005 were increased by 28.6 million for 12,611 claimants.

Agriculture: Trade Competitiveness

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department has taken to ensure that UK pig farmers are not operating at a competitive disadvantage to those in other EU member states.

Jonathan R Shaw: holding answer 4 March 2008
	 DEFRA is very aware of the challenges currently facing the pig livestock sector and their efforts to maintain competitiveness. The leading concern of the industry is the increase in feed costs, which is a global phenomenon affecting producers across the EU.
	UK producers have also been affected by last year's animal disease outbreaks. DEFRA put together an aid package last October for all livestock sectors, which included 2 million to promote red meat, including pork.
	Regulation in the pig and other livestock sectors is essential to protect public health, animal health and welfare, and the environment. Many UK regulations follow common EU standards and requirements and it has been a priority for the UK in negotiating these to ensure that controls are proportionate and avoid placing unnecessary burdens on producers and others.
	One area in which we are ahead of the EU is our unilateral ban, agreed in 1991 for good welfare reasons, on close-confinement sow stalls and tethers from 1999. Tethers have now also been banned in the EU and the UK pressed for and succeeded in obtaining an EU ban on sow stalls, which will take effect from 2013 onwards and have a levelling effect. We have encouraged the pig industry to take advantage of high UK welfare standards to promote the attributes of UK pigmeat in the market place.

Biofuels

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will reclassify the glycerol by-product from bio-diesel production from used cooking oil as fuel rather than waste; and if he will make a statement.

Joan Ruddock: Whether or not a substance is waste within the meaning of Article 1(1)(a) of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) is a matter that must be determined on the facts of the case and the interpretation of the law is a matter for the Courts. It is not a function of the Government to classify or to declassify any particular substance as waste or non-waste.
	The Environment Agency is designated as a competent authority for the purpose of implementing the WFD in England and Wales and is required to give effect to the directive's definition of waste, as interpreted by the European Court of Justice and our national Courts.
	In April 2007, the Environment Agency issued a regulatory position statement on glycerol produced during the manufacture of biodiesel. It is available on the Agency's website and states that used vegetable oil is waste and that wastes which are processed for use as a fuel normally remain waste until they are burned. However, in July 2007 the Court of Appeal ruled that a waste substance may cease to be waste before being burned if it has been converted into a distinct marketable product which can be used in exactly the same way as an ordinary fuel and with no worse environmental effects.
	In light of this, organisations are free to present to the Environment Agency any information they consider relevant to satisfy the Agency that the substance has ceased to be waste before being used as a fuel.

Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture: Finance

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether there have been changes to the funding allocated to the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science for the next five years since the answer given on 4 December 2007,  Official Report, column 1089W, on the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture: finance; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The only formal change to the response provided in December 2007 is for the year 2008-09; in this year committed funding has been reduced to 29.7 million. Subsequent years are still subject to approval.

Coastal Areas: Access

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make it his policy to ensure that the implementation of proposals on coastal access do not lead to any capital or income financial loss for landowners and rural businesses.

Jonathan R Shaw: We are in the process of developing the detail of coastal access legislation and are seeking to identify an appropriate opportunity to introduce such legislation. Implementation will be undertaken in line with an approved statutory methodology and in discussion with local interests, including landowners and managers. We will ensure that any proposals strike a fair balance between the interests of the public in accessing the coast and the interests of landowners and rural businesses.

Departmental Eurostar

Philip Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department and its agencies spent on  (a) first and  (b) other class travel by Eurostar in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Jonathan R Shaw: For the period January 2007 to December 2007 inclusive, from information held centrally, the core-Department spent 394,735 on first class travel, and 254,124 on second class travel, by Eurostar. All official travel is undertaken in accordance with departmental travel policy.

Departmental ICT

Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many  (a) mobile telephones,  (b) personal digital assistants and  (c) laptop computers issued to departmental staff were reported (i) lost, (ii) missing and (iii) stolen in each year since 2001.

Jonathan R Shaw: The following figures show the reported number of thefts/losses of mobile telephones, personal digital assistants and laptops from 2001.
	
		
			   Mobile phones  Personal digital assistants including Blackberry and palm top devices  Laptops 
			 2001-02 1 0 13 
			 2002-03 0 12 23 
			 2003-04 1 0 2 
			 2004-05(1) 0 1 3 
			 2005-06(1) 4 1 18 
			 2006-07(1) 4 8 22 
			 2007-08 (to date(1)) 0 1 13 
			 (1) Following the outsourcing of IT services to IBM in October 2004, computers/laptops are no longer classed as departmental assets as they form part of the overall contract for the provision of IT services. All IT equipment therefore belongs to IBM. However, in an effort to reduce the losses of laptops, advice and guidance on the security of portable computer equipment is regularly issued to users.

Departmental Internet

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Wikipedia entries have been  (a) created and  (b) amended (i) by (A) special advisers, (B) Ministers and (C) communications officials and (ii) from IP addresses of (1) special advisers, (2) Ministers and (3) communications officials in (x) his Department and (y) its agencies since August 2005.

Jonathan R Shaw: It would not be possible to obtain this information without incurring disproportionate cost; DEFRA staff access internet sites via a single Government secure intranet (GSI) gateway, and IP addresses within DEFRA's network are allocated dynamically to individuals' computers.

Departmental Private Finance Initiative

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what private finance initiative projects have been approved by his Department in each of the last three financial years, broken down by  (a) value and  (b) start date.

Jonathan R Shaw: The capital value and start date for every signed PFI project are recorded centrally on the Treasury's website at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/documents/public_private_ partnerships/ppp_pfi_stats.cfm

Departmental Publications

John Randall: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what public information booklets were published by his Department in 2007; and what the  (a) print run and  (b) cost to the Department was in each case.

Jonathan R Shaw: The information requested is set out in the following table.
	
		
			  Title  Cost ()  Copies 
			 Crop Inspector Report for Cereal Crops 355.00 10,000 
			 Crop Inspector Report for Crucifereous fodder 99.00 1,000 
			 Pramorum Key research findings 725.00 5,000 
			 Agricultural Wages PPRC 887.90 46,000 
			 CSF Leaflet 1,750.00 15,000 
			 WIPD Leaflet 940.00 1,000 
			 Sheep Tagging Leaflet 415.00 15,000 
			 Have a Go Leaflets - 910.00 12,700 
			 Tail Docking Leaflet 910.00 200 
			 Bluetongue How to Spot The Disease Booklet 254.00 2,000 
			 Animal Disease Fact Sheet - 4pp 190.00 1,000 
			 Animal Disease Factsheets - 8pp 152.00 1,000 
			 Information Note  Elstead Residents 1,085.00 1,700 
			 FMD Flyers 4,220.00 550,000 
			 FMD Factsheet 1 700.00 10,000 
			 Joint Environmental Prospectus 1,175.00 1,560 
			 Joint Environmental Prospectus: reprint 600.00 2,000 
			 Use the OCDS Booking System now leaflet 445.00 40,000 
			 Use the OCDS Booking System now leaflet 810.00 83,000 
			 Bluetongue - How to spot the disease leaflet 1,820.00 26,000 
			 Bluetongue Vector Leaflet 1,160.00 26,000 
			 Avoiding The Risk.... 185.00 1,000 
			 Avoiding The Risk.... 357.00 2,000 
			 Bluetongue Leaflets 4,660.00 47,750 
			 Bluetongue Vectors Leaflet 3,250.00 77,000 
			 Protecting Whales Insert 538.00 500 
			 Saltfleet NNR Event Leaflet 255.00 2,000 
			 Farming Link Insert reprint 370.00 5,000 
			 Bluetongue Flyer Reprint 187.00 3,000 
			 UK DNA Brochure 576.00 1,000 
			 Fishing Focus 1,560.00 17,420 
			 Marine Fisheries Science Supplement reprint 235.00 2,000 
			 Fishing Focus reprint 675.00 2,000 
			 Marine Fisheries Leaflets 2,045.00 40,000 
			 FMD Movement Restriction Leaflet 3,120.00 500,000 
			 Barley and Malt Link Factsheet-AMF194 735.00 516 
		
	
	DEFRA's approach to the production of leaflets is to do so only where they are the most effective means of communication with particular audiences. In all other instances we publish information through our website.

Departmental Recruitment

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the policy of British jobs for British workers will affect his Department's recruitment policy.

Jonathan R Shaw: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 3 March 2008,  Official Report, column 2207W, by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Watson).

Departmental Recycling

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recycling scheme is in operation in each building used by his Department.

Jonathan R Shaw: The following table details the recycling schemes which are available in DEFRA buildings in London, York and Alnwick.
	
		
			  Item  Disposed by 
			 Papergeneral Recycled 
			   
			 Paperconfidential Shredded 
			   
			 Cardboard Recycled 
			   
			 Electrical goods Pre-WEEE collected by maintenance provider 
			  Post-WEEE handled as instructed by manufacturer 
			   
			 Fridges In London recycled where possible. York and Alnwick recycled by maintenance provider. Degassed first in all instances 
			   
			 Batteries Recycled where possible 
			   
			 M and E Plant Local contractor sorts and recycled where possible 
			   
			 Light tubes Recycled locally 
			   
			 Metal In York all metal waste from the major project is separated out and recycled. In other locations collected and recycled where possible or disposed of via local scrap recycling company 
			   
			 Cans, bottles, plastics Recycled 
			   
			 Toner cartridgesprinters, mobile phones, CDs Collected and recycled where possible 
			   
			 Computer hardware Managed by IBM 
			   
			 Food waste, catering oils, wet waste In London handled by catering contractors and catering oils part recycled and filtered for use in contractor's vehicle. Wet waste scheme starting in January 2008 
			 Waste water, rain water Harvesting plant being installed in York and Alnwick re-build for rainwater 
			   
			 Furniture In London handled in-house via Green Works. York recycled locallyoffered to local charities, small businesses etc. In Alnwick surplus furniture will be recycled

Departmental Visits Abroad

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many overseas visits by officials in his Department took place in each of the last 10 years; which countries were visited; and how much was spent on such visits in each such year.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA came into being in June 2001. The information requested for each of the last 10 years could be provided only at disproportionate cost. For the period April 2006 to December 2007 inclusive for core-DEFRA, the Animal Health Agency, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aqua-Cultural Science, the Government Decontamination Service, and the Rural Payment Agency the information held centrally on overseas visits by officials is:
	
		
			  Travel type  Country  Spend ()  Number of tickets 
			 Air Australia 59,124 32 
			  Austria 29,308 88 
			  Barbados 618 2 
			  Belgium 59,889 230 
			  Brazil 90,620 32 
			  Canada 67,618 53 
			  Cayman Islands 787 1 
			  China 115,579 57 
			  Croatia 82 1 
			  Cyprus 1,787 4 
			  Czech Republic 4,168 18 
			  Denmark 22,220 73 
			  Estonia 1,794 11 
			  Ethiopia 9,578 9 
			  Faroe Islands 1,244 3 
			  Finland 46,203 97 
			  France 21,395 59 
			  Germany 82,411 247 
			  Ghana 3,597 1 
			  Greece 1,972 6 
			  Hong Kong 26,770 16 
			  Hungary 3,237 10 
			  Iceland 1,666 5 
			  India 109,694 71 
			  Indonesia 104,045 41 
			  Ireland 7,146 62 
			  Italy 27,831 88 
			  Jamaica 3,631 2 
			  Japan 71,898 36 
			  Kenya 127,938 73 
			  Korea Republic 1,694 4 
			  Latvia 1,004 4 
			  Lithuania 1,842 4 
			  Luxembourg 30,090 123 
			  Malaysia 10,649 3 
			  Malta 308 2 
			  Mexico 92,301 37 
			  Morocco 2,555 2 
			  Mozambique 5,356 1 
			  Netherlands 20,224 94 
			  New Zealand 766 1 
			  Norway 16,661 52 
			  Poland 5,112 14 
			  Portugal 23,175 74 
			  Romania 3,083 8 
			  Russia 8,556 10 
			  Saudi Arabia 1,235 1 
			  Senegal 7,444 4 
			  Serbia 2,003 5 
			  Seychelles 2,107 2 
			  Singapore 17,762 14 
			  Slovenia 768 8 
			  South Africa 32,182 17 
			  Spain 26,790 83 
			  St. Christopher (St. Kitts) NE 7,068 2 
			  Sweden 14,549 47 
			  Switzerland 34,456 118 
			  Thailand 39,160 13 
			  Turkey 1,186 5 
			  Ukraine 1,700 1 
			  United States 316,751 180 
			 Air total spend ()  1,832,386  
			 Air total number of tickets   2,361 
			 
			  Rail Belgium 427,536 3,183 
			  Canada 151 2 
			  France 40,720 333 
			  Germany 1,869 34 
			  Italy 12 1 
			  Luxembourg 505 9 
			  Netherlands 1,429 20 
			  Spain 429 1 
			  Sweden 48 2 
			  Switzerland 241 8 
			  United States 442 8 
			 Rail total spend ()  473,081  
			 Rail total number of tickets   3,601

Drinking Water

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what volume of bottled water was consumed in his Department in the last 12 months.

Phil Woolas: From information held centrally, the core-Department consumed 1,969 litres of bottled water in 2007.

Drinking Water

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many litres of bottled water were purchased by his Department in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: holding answer 22 February 2008
	 From information held centrally the core-Department has purchased the following amounts of bottled water in each of the last three years:
	
		
			   Litres 
			 2005 9,848 
			 2006 12,948 
			 2007 1,969

Drinking Water

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on bottled water in the latest year for which figures are available.

Jonathan R Shaw: From information held centrally, 3,392 was spent by the core-Department on bottled water in 2007.

Drinking Water

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on mineral water in each of the last three years.

Jonathan R Shaw: From information held centrally, the core-Department has spent the following sums on mineral water in each of the last three years.
	
		
			
			 2005 18,699 
			 2006 24,744 
			 2007 3,392

Energy-using Products Directive

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the likely effects of the Energy-using Products Directive's provisions on supply system bundles on levels of waste from 2013.

Joan Ruddock: The Government's Market Transformation Programme is currently assessing the full range of possible impacts of the implementation of the Energy Using Products Directive, based on the Commission's current proposals.

Environment Protection

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 15 January 2008,  Official Report, column 1101W, on environmental protection, how much of the funding received by the Environment Agency has been spent on purposes related to the detection and prosecution of environmental offences, including fly-tipping in each of these years; and what the projected allocation is of future business resource efficiency and waste funding to the Environment Agency  (a) in total and  (b) for these purposes in the next three years.

Joan Ruddock: From April 2008, the Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) programme will be amalgamated into a single, more focused approach of allocating DEFRA funding to increase resource efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
	Funding to delivery bodies working on business resource efficiency will continue in the next spending period, beginning in 2008-09. The following table shows the allocation of BREW funding to the Environment Agency between 2005 and 2008 and the comparable amount of funding allocated to similar projects in 2008-09.
	The table also shows how much of the money that was received by the Environment Agency under the BREW Programme was allocated to the detection and prosecution of environmental crime, with the comparable amount of funding allocated to similar projects in 2008-09 shown alongside.
	
		
			million 
			  Budget  Funding allocated to the Environment Agency (EA)  Funding allocated by EA to tackling environmental waste crime 
			 2005-06 (1)2.0 2.0 
			 2006-07 (1)4.454 2.0 
			 2007-08 (1)4.454 2.0 
			 2008-09 (2)2.75 (3)1.5 
			 2009-10 (4) (5) 
			 2010-11 (4) (5) 
			 (1) BREW. (2) Former BREW. (3) Indicative only. (4) Indicative budget to be confirmed. (5) To be confirmed. 
		
	
	DEFRA is still in discussion with the Environment Agency to finalise the use of funding that it is receiving in 2008-09 for activities formerly funded by the BREW Programme. The full indicative allocations for 2008-09 are as follows:
	1.5 million: Waste crime (includes  0.5 million capital expenditure)
	0.75 million: NetRegsan internet based service providing free environmental guidance for small businesses in the UK to help them comply with environmental legislation.
	0.5 million: Waste protocols.
	In recent years, the Environment Agency has typically spent approximately 14 million per annum on the enforcement and prosecution of illegal waste activity. This figure represents the full costs incurred by the Environment Agency and does not take into account any costs they may recover through the courts.

Fairtrade Initiative

Michael Moore: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his Department's policy is on the use of fair trade goods  (a) in staff catering facilities and  (b) at official departmental functions and meetings; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Guidance on the use of fairtrade goods is set out on the fairtrade page of the Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI) website at:
	http://www.defra.gsi.gov.uk/farm/policy/sustain/procurement/trade.htm
	Departmental policy is to promote fairtrade goods through voluntary non-contractual means. From information held centrally, 100 per cent. of the tea, coffee and chocolate provided for hospitality functions is free trade. Members of staff have the option of buying fairtrade products in staff catering facilities and have been encouraged to purchase fairtrade products through awareness raising campaigns.
	DEFRA's 'Catering Services Food Procurement Toolkit'
	http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/sustain/procurement/toolkit.htm
	covers fairtrade products at pages 6, 16, 37, 38, 79, 93 and 123.

Fishing Vessels

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2008,  Official Report, column 1624W, what the number of vessels he has identified for decommissioning is; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what his estimate is of the cost of decommissioning; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  if he will use European Fisheries Fund monies to fund the decommissioning of 10 metre and under vessels; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA officials are currently working on the form of a potential decommissioning scheme for under 10 metre vessels. If I decide that a decommissioning scheme is appropriate, I would expect to be in a position to formally consult on the details of such a scheme in the summer of this year. Until then, it is not possible to say whether vessels will be identified for decommissioning. Previous schemes have not identified vessels, but set parameters within which certain vessels would be eligible.
	The final cost of any decommissioning scheme is related to the scheme design, the monies available, and the number of vessel owners that apply to decommission their vessels. For planning purposes, I have set aside up to 5 million and would draw on funds both from the EU and national sources.

Home Energy Efficiency Scheme

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the change in the number of vulnerable households that will receive new central heating as a result of the 20 per cent. reduction in the Warm Front budget.

Phil Woolas: The Warm Front budget has not been reduced by 20 per cent.

Import Controls: Expenditure

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Department spent on border security and enforcement in each of the last three financial years.

Jonathan R Shaw: A number of DEFRA agencies undertake a range of activities at the border, including the Environment Agency, Animal Health and the Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate. However, disaggregated costs for security and enforcement are not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Rural Areas: Housing

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take steps to ensure that funding will be available for  (a) rural community council and  (b) local measures to aid the supply of affordable rural housing to continue when Rural Social and Community Programme funding ends in March.

Jonathan R Shaw: The Rural Social and Community Programme (RSCP) was always intended to be a time-limited, two-year programme. It also included a specific requirement that beneficiaries' plans should include preparations for the closure of the scheme in March 2008. The Government recently recognised the importance of the rural community councils (RCCs) by announcing new funding worth over 10 million to the network over the next three years.
	In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1869-70W.
	
		
			 Sea  
			 Possible reefs in the mid-Irish Sea Spring 2007 
			 Possible reefs in the central and western English Channel Summer 2006 
			 Possible reefs in the eastern Irish Sea Summer 2005 
			 Sandbank in the northern Irish Sea Winter 2005, summer 2005 
			 Reefs west of the Hebrides Summer and autumn 2004 
			 Submarine canyons in the south-west Approaches Summer 2007 
		
	
	Further areas of search for reefs and submarine structures made by leaking gases will be surveyed by JNCC in 2008, 2009 and 2010 on the Scottish Continental Shelf, the offshore area in the North West of Scotland and the Irish Sea.

Seas and Oceans: Nature Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects the loss of marine biodiversity to be halted; what progress is being made to achieve this; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The Government are committed to halting the decline of marine biodiversity by 2010.
	The establishment of an ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas will help us to meet this goal. Currently we have 151 protected sites with marine features in the UK. This includes 76 Special Protections Areas with marine habitats for birds, 72 Special Areas of Conservation with marine habitats or species, and three statutory marine nature reserves.
	The Joint Nature Conservation Committee has been consulting on seven initial offshore sites since December 2007. The consultation is due to close on 14 March 2008.
	The forthcoming Marine Bill will give us the powers to designate Marine Conservation Zones for nationally rare, threatened and representative marine features.
	To help us to understand the state of our marine biodiversity, we are currently developing indicators to report on 'marine ecosystem integrity'. This will contribute to the UK's reporting on the progress being made towards the commitment made under the Convention on Biological Diversity to
	'halt the decline of biodiversity by 2010'.
	Trends from the indicator will help us to understand what changes are occurring in the marine environment and where management should be focussed most to prevent further decline.

Seas and Oceans: Nature Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he has identified any potential multi-purpose marine protected areas; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: We will be considering multi-purpose sites as part of the development of a network of marine protected areas. No such sites have yet been formally identified.

Seas and Oceans: Nature Conservation

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes have been made to the Marine Strategy Directive since the original draft was published; whether any of these changes reflect the Government's position as stated in the European Standing Committee on the Strategy for the Protection and Conservation of the Marine Environment on 14 February 2006; what representations his Department made to the European Commission and EU counterparts following that European Standing Committee meeting; what the Government's current policy on the Directive is; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: Agreement has been reached on the terms of a draft Marine Strategy Directive following its Second Reading at the European Parliament in December 2007. The draft directive is due to be presented to council shortly for adoption.
	The outcome fully reflects the Government's priorities, and incorporates important changes from the first draft in relation to cost effectiveness and risk-based management (Article 14), co-operation through the regional seas conventions, and the role of the European Commission. The UK was also closely involved in drafting an acceptable definition of 'good environmental status' (GES) and ensuring that the descriptors of GES in Annex I are based on the status of the environment rather than the reduction in certain human pressures. The UK Government made substantive representations on the draft directive in the normal way, through council working groups and at council.
	The directive will require member states to take the necessary measures to achieve and maintain good environmental status of their waters by 2020 at the latest. This is challenging, but achievable, with sensible safeguards on cost effectiveness and will help member states deliver better protection for their waters. We are already establishing the measures necessary to assess our waters. The Marine Bill will enable the UK to take a leading role in implementing the directive in a way which reflects UK needs and priorities.

Television

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many plasma television screens have been purchased by his Department and its agencies, and at what cost, in the last 24 months.

Jonathan R Shaw: From information held centrally, the core-Department plus the Marine Fisheries Agency and Natural England have purchased one LCD and four plasma television screens in the last 24 months at a total cost of 4,149. Further information on expenditure on plasma television screens by all other executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

HEALTH

Accident and Emergency Services

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to define the core purpose of each specific unscheduled care service with reference to the British Association for Emergency Medicine's guidelines.

Ben Bradshaw: It is a matter for the local national health service to ensure that they provide urgent and emergency care services that are responsive to people's needs.
	Decisions about the shape and type of urgent and emergency care services should be taken locally so that services reflect the needs of the local population.

Administrative Delays

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued to NHS foundation trusts on the measurement in March of the 18 week referral to treatment waiting time target.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department has not issued any guidance directly to foundation trusts on measurement of the March referral to treatment milestone.

Ambulance Services: Canvey Island

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions ambulances responding to emergency calls on Canvey Island have been diverted due to temporary road closures resulting from road traffic accidents in the last 12 month period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: This information is not held centrally. It is for the local national health service to decide how best to provide services to the communities they serve, including ambulance services.
	The hon. Member may wish to raise this issue with the chief executive of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Carbon Monoxide: Health Hazards

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken by his Department to increase awareness of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning amongst healthcare professionals.

Dawn Primarolo: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for High Peak (Tom Levitt) on 30 January 2008,  Official Report, column 457W.

Carbon Monoxide: Health Hazards

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what training is given to trainee doctors to enable them to recognise the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ann Keen: The Department is not responsible for setting curricula for health professional training. However, we do share a commitment with statutory and professional bodies that all health professionals are trained, so that they have the skills and knowledge to deliver a high quality health service to all groups of the population with whom they deal, whatever their condition.
	Post-registration training needs for national health service staff are determined against local NHS priorities, through appraisal processes and training needs analyses informed by local delivery plans and the needs of the service.

Carbon Monoxide: Health Hazards

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what records his Department holds on levels of non-fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

Dawn Primarolo: The Information Centre for health and social care hold records on Hospital Episode Statistics which cover those admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of carbon monoxide poisoning recorded in any primary or secondary diagnosis field.
	These do not contain data which would allow determination of whether the admission to hospital proved fatal or non-fatal, because information about a patient, once they are discharged from hospital, is not captured.

Dental Services

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of  (a) children,  (b) adults and  (c) all people in (i) England and (ii) each English region were registered with a dentist in each of the last three years.

Ann Keen: The proportion of the population registered with an national health service dentist, in England, as at 31 March, 1997 to 2006 are available in Annex B of the NHS Dental Activity and Workforce Report, England: 31 March 2006. The information is provided by children/adults, and by primary care trust (PCT) and strategic health authority (SHA).
	This information is based on the old contractual arrangements which were in place up to and including 31 March 2006. This report was published on 23 August 2006 and is available in the Library and is also available at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collection/primary-care/dentistry/nhs-dental-activity-and-workforce-report-england-31-march-2006
	Under the new contractual arrangements, introduced on 1 April 2006, patients do not have to be registered with an NHS dentist to receive NHS care. The closest equivalent measure to 'registration' is the number of patients receiving NHS dental services ('patients seen') over a 24-month period. However, this is not directly comparable to the registration data for earlier years.
	The proportion of the population seen by an NHS dentist is available in Table C2 of Annex 3 of NHS Dental Statistics for England: Quarter 2, 30 September 2007 report. Information is available for the 24-month periods ending 31 March 2006, 31 March 2007, 30 June 2007, and 30 September 2007. The information is provided by children/adults, and by PCT and SHA.
	This report was published on 28 February 2008 and a copy has been placed in the Library and is also available at:
	www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/primary-care/dentistry/nhs-dental-statistics-for-england:-quarter-2:-30-september-2007
	Both reports have been published by The Information Centre for health and social care.

Dental Services

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental practices have had to suspend NHS dentistry before the end of the current financial year due to budgetary constraints; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: Primary care trusts (PCTs) in England agree with dental providers the level of services to be delivered over the course of the year, and their annual contract values. These service levels, once agreed, cannot be changed, unless the provider and PCT agree.
	It is for the provider to ensure that the annual service level agreed is delivered in a way that maintains services for patients through the year. The Department does not assess the performance of individual providers. PCTs, as commissioning bodies, are responsible for monitoring the services carried out by their local dental providers.

Dental Services

Anne Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of NHS dentistry provision in Hertfordshire;
	(2)  what plans he has to extend provision of NHS dentistry in Hertfordshire.

Ann Keen: It is for primary care trusts (PCTs) to commission health services including dentistry for their local populations. The hon. Member may therefore wish to raise this with the chief executives of West Hertfordshire and East and North Hertfordshire PCTs.
	More generally, increasing the number of patients seen within National Health Service dental services is now a formal priority in the NHS Operating Framework for 2008-09. This has been supported by a very substantial 11 per cent. uplift in overall allocations to PCTs from 1 April 2008.

Dental Services: Children

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental  (a) fillings and  (b) extractions were carried out on children in (i) England and (ii) each English region in each of the last three years.

Ann Keen: I refer the hon. Member for Upper Bann to the answer I gave him on 19 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 1383-84W.

Dental Services: Finance

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost was of  (a) dental fees for items of service and  (b) dental treatments in each of the last three years; and how much of the cost was borne by patients (i) in total and (ii) as a percentage of the overall cost in  (A) England and  (B) each English region in each of those years.

Ann Keen: Prior to April 2006, primary dental services were provided under either former general dental services (GDS) or former personal dental services (PDS) pilot arrangements. Most services were provided under GDS. Under this system dentists were remunerated on a fee per item of service basis.
	In a number of areas, PDS pilots were also established, where dentists were remunerated not on fee per item but on locally commissioned arrangements. The number of GDS practices converting to PDS pilots increased significantly over the years 2004-05 and 2005-06.
	The information held by the Information Centre for health and social care on the expenditure by local area for national health service primary dental care under the former GDS and PDS arrangements in 2004-05 and 2005-06 has been placed in the Library.
	Equivalent information is not available for 2006-07. Under the new contract arrangements for primary dental care services introduced from 1 April 2006, primary care trusts agree an annual contract value with dental contractors in return for delivery of an agreed level of dental activity. The former item of service fees were discontinued and payments can no longer be itemised by individual treatments.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Sally Keeble: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of his Department's expenditure was allocated to Government growth areas in the last year for which figures are available.

Ben Bradshaw: The following table shows the revenue allocations made by the Department to primary care trusts (PCTs) in the growth areas in 2008-09. The PCT revenue allocations for 2008-09 totalled 74.2 billion. The 12.9 billion allocated to PCTs in growth areas represents 17 per cent. of the 2008-09 PCT revenue allocations. This is 13 per cent. of the total national health service budget for 2008-09.
	
		
			  PCT name  2008-09 recurrent allocation (000) 
			 Northamptonshire Teaching PCT 861,887 
			 Bedfordshire PCT 510,388 
			 Cambridgeshire PCT 723,346 
			 East and North Hertfordshire PCT 704,199 
			 Luton PCT 261,233 
			 Mid Essex PCT 427,883 
			 Peterborough PCT 238,393 
			 South East Essex PCT 465,904 
			 South West Essex PCT 554,331 
			 West Essex PCT 358,991 
			 Barking and Dagenham PCT 281,607 
			 Bexley Care Trust 297,301 
			 City and Hackney Teaching PCT 439,429 
			 Enfield PCT 405,175 
			 Greenwich Teaching PCT 392,719 
			 Haringey Teaching PCT 395,698 
			 Havering PCT 349,109 
			 Lewisham PCT 453,100 
			 Newham PCT 478,846 
			 Redbridge PCT 334,848 
			 Tower Hamlets PCT 417,125 
			 Waltham Forest PCT 366,306 
			 Eastern and Coastal Kent PCT 1,068,679 
			 Medway PCT 359,310 
			 West Kent PCT 854,576 
			 Buckinghamshire PCT 604,814 
			 Milton Keynes PCT 293,098 
			 2008-09 revenue allocation to PCTs in growth areas 12,898,297

Diabetes: Health Education

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what change there has been in his Department's support for self-management of, and education on, the treatment of diabetes since 2007.

Ann Keen: The Department continues to promote support for self-management and education as key elements of care for people with diabetes.
	Since the publication of two departmental and diabetes UK joint reports: Structured Patient Education in Diabetes in June 2005 and Care Planning in Diabetes in November 2006, a support for self-management working group has been set up. The group is looking at ways that local services can develop support for self management, including care planning, structured education, psychological issues and self-monitoring. We expect that some outcomes of the group's work will be shared with the diabetes community later in the year.

Diabetes: Standards

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of changes in waiting times for appointments with specialist teams on service quality and the standard of care provided to patients with diabetes.

Ann Keen: The Department is not aware that any such assessment has been made. It is the responsibility of local national health service organisations to commission specialist diabetes services, and to ensure that those services meet all the needs of local people with diabetes. We would expect these services to be of good quality and to meet national waiting time targets.

Doctors: EU Nationals

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether compliance with the EU Professional Qualifications Directive for Health Professionals requires a tiered system grouping applicants for positions in the NHS into categories during selection.

Ann Keen: No. Selection for posts in the national health service is a matter for local employers.

Doctors: EU Nationals

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to consult the Royal Colleges on  (a) the effects and  (b) the implementation of the EU Professional Qualifications Directive for Health Professionals.

Ann Keen: The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and the Royal Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery were consulted in summer 2007 on regulations to implement the European Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications, 2005/36/EC. Now that United Kingdom legislation to implement this directive is in force, the Department has sought feedback from health and social care regulatory bodies on the effects and implementation of the directive, which concerns the recognition of professional qualifications by regulatory bodies.

Fluoride: Finance

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the  (a) feasibility and  (b) cost of engineering and water management work required to introduce fluoridated water to areas; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: Feasibility varies between localities depending upon the coverage of the water distribution system and any technical constraints it imposes. For a strategic health authority with an average population of 5 million we estimate the capital costs of the water plant would be in the range of 15 million to 25 million and the recurrent costs of the operation of the plant and the fluoride chemicals around 80 pence per head of population per year. This compares to some 40 per person currently spent each year on national health service primary care dental services.

General Practitioners

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the percentage of general practitioner practices in  (a) England and  (b) each English region with at least 50 per cent. of their patients living three or more miles away in each of the last three years.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department does not hold this information centrally.

General Practitioners: Baby Clinics

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner surgeries within each primary care trust area ran weekly baby clinics in each of the last 10 years.

Ann Keen: The information requested is not collected centrally.

General Practitioners: Working Hours

Adrian Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners covered out-of-office hours in  (a) Torbay constituency and  (b) England in each year since 1997.

Ben Bradshaw: The information requested is not held centrally. The hon. Member may therefore wish to approach the chief executive of Torbay Care Trust for information on numbers of general practitioners covering out of hours.
	Primary care trusts now have a legal responsibility to ensure that they provide, or secure provision of out of hours services for their local population.

Health Services: Greater London

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in implementing the targets for the National Service Framework for Long-Term Conditions in Leyton and Wanstead.

Ann Keen: It is for individual primary care trusts (PCTs), including Redbridge and Waltham Forest PCTs, within the national health service to develop locally the levels of service described in the National Service Framework for Long-term (Neurological) Conditions (the NSF). The NSF has a 10-year implementation programme from its publication in March 2005, with flexibility for organisations to set the pace of change locally to take account of differences in local priorities and needs.
	Information on the progress that has been achieved locally with regard to the implementation of the targets set out in the NSF can be obtained direct from Redbridge and Waltham Forest PCTs.

Health Services: Pre-School Education

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many visits were made by health professionals to pre-school settings in each of the last five years; and how many children were referred for additional assessment in each year.

Ann Keen: This information is not available centrally.

Health Visitors

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department gives to primary care trusts on the recruitment and retention of health visitors.

Ann Keen: It is the responsibility of local organisations to commission and develop services to respond to local needs. The Operating Framework for 2008-09 highlights the importance of maternity and children's services' work force, and the need for local organisations to commission and provide the necessary work force. Health visitors are well placed to deliver significant parts of this service.

Hearing Aids: Waiting Lists

Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting time for assessment for digital hearing aids was in each primary care trust in England in the latest period for which figures are available.

Ivan Lewis: The data are not collected in the format requested. However, average waiting times for all audiological assessments as at December 2007, including assessment for digital hearing aids, are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Average (median) waiting times for audiological assessments: position at end December 2007: commissioner based 
			  Primary care trust  Median waiting times (weeks) 
			 Newcastle PCT 4.4 
			 North Tyneside PCT 4.3 
			 Hartlepool PCT 2.5 
			 North Tees PCT 4.4 
			 Darlington PCT 45.1 
			 Gateshead PCT 3.3 
			 South Tyneside PCT 2.9 
			 Sunderland Teaching PCT 2.7 
			 Middlesbrough PCT 2.6 
			 County Durham 39.6 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 3.3 
			 Northumberland Care Trust 5.0 
			 Blackburn With Darwen PCT 2.9 
			 Salford PCT 1.9 
			 Stockport PCT (1) 
			 Ashton, Leigh and Wigan PCT 5.7 
			 Blackpool PCT 7.8 
			 Bolton PCT 1.5 
			 Warrington PCT 6.0 
			 Knowsley PCT 7.9 
			 Oldham PCT 1.8 
			 Bury PCT 1.5 
			 Tameside and Glossop PCT 1.7 
			 Cumbria 4.4 
			 North Lancashire 3.9 
			 Central Lancashire 19.1 
			 East Lancashire 3.0 
			 Sefton 2.6 
			 Wirral 4.3 
			 Liverpool 8.6 
			 Halton and St. Helens 7.8 
			 West Cheshire (1) 
			 Central and Eastern Cheshire 3.8 
			 Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton 0.7 
			 Trafford 2.9 
			 Manchester 0.6 
			 North Lincolnshire PCT 6.6 
			 Rotherham PCT 1.2 
			 Calderdale PCT 3.4 
			 Barnsley PCT 3.0 
			 Leeds 9.2 
			 Kirklees 3.5 
			 Wakefield 3.5 
			 Sheffield 4.3 
			 Doncaster 2.8 
			 North Yorkshire and York 4.5 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire (1) 
			 Hull Teaching 43.8 
			 Bradford and Airedale Teaching 6.3 
			 North East Lincolnshire Care Trust Plus 6.3 
			 Nottingham City PCT 2.7 
			 Bassetlaw PCT 2.8 
			 Derbyshire County 3.4 
			 Derby City 4.9 
			 Nottinghamshire County Teaching 2.7 
			 Lincolnshire Teaching 5.7 
			 Leicestershire County and Rutland 4.3 
			 Leicester City Teaching 4.3 
			 Northamptonshire Teaching 4.4 
			 Herefordshire PCT (1) 
			 South Birmingham PCT 4.3 
			 Shropshire County PCT 5.4 
			 Walsall PCT 3.4 
			 Coventry PCT 4.7 
			 Telford and Wrekin PCT 5.3 
			 Wolverhampton City PCT 3.9 
			 Heart of Birmingham PCT 4.4 
			 Dudley 3.2 
			 Sandwell 3.7 
			 Birmingham East and North 3.8 
			 North Staffordshire 48.3 
			 Stoke on Trent Teaching (1) 
			 South Staffordshire 3.3 
			 Worcestershire 3.1 
			 Warwickshire 4.7 
			 Solihull PCT 3.4 
			 Luton PCT 5.4 
			 South East Essex 4.0 
			 Bedfordshire 6.0 
			 East and North Hertfordshire 3.5 
			 West Hertfordshire 3.4 
			 Peterborough 2.7 
			 Cambridgeshire 3.3 
			 Norfolk 3.9 
			 Great Yarmouth and Waveney Teaching 3.5 
			 Suffolk 3.1 
			 West Essex 3.8 
			 North East Essex 4.6 
			 Mid Essex 3.3 
			 South West Essex Teaching 3.5 
			 Havering PCT 20.0 
			 Kingston PCT 27.0 
			 Bromley PCT 4.6 
			 Greenwich PCT 4.1 
			 Barnet PCT 3.3 
			 Hillingdon PCT 3.0 
			 Enfield PCT 7.4 
			 Barking and Dagenham PCT 10.3 
			 City and Hackney PCT 4.1 
			 Tower Hamlets PCT 2.8 
			 Newham PCT 3.6 
			 Haringey PCT 8.0 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham PCT 6.6 
			 Ealing PCT 31.8 
			 Hounslow PCT 14.0 
			 Brent PCT 6.4 
			 Harrow PCT 4.4 
			 Camden PCT 4.3 
			 Islington PCT 5.0 
			 Croydon PCT 3.3 
			 Kensington and Chelsea PCT 6.4 
			 Westminster PCT 6.1 
			 Lambeth PCT 4.6 
			 Southwark PCT 5.0 
			 Lewisham PCT 4.3 
			 Wandsworth PCT 3.7 
			 Richmond and Twickenham PCI 13.4 
			 Sutton and Merton PCT 3.9 
			 Redbridge PCT 3.8 
			 Waltham Forest PCT 6.2 
			 Bexley Care Trust 4.1 
			 Medway PCT 5.2 
			 Brighton and Hove City PCT 12.8 
			 Surrey 5.5 
			 West Sussex Teaching 15.9 
			 East Sussex Downs and Weald 19.2 
			 Hastings and Rother 2.7 
			 West Kent 21.0 
			 Eastern and Coastal Kent Teaching 51.7 
			 Milton Keynes PCT 3.2 
			 Portsmouth City PCT 13.1 
			 Southampton City PCT 2.8 
			 Hampshire 6.7 
			 Buckinghamshire 4.5 
			 Oxfordshire 4.4 
			 Berkshire West 4.7 
			 Berkshire East Teaching 6.5 
			 Isle of Wight Healthcare 11.2 
			 South Gloucestershire PCT 4.0 
			 Plymouth PCT 2.7 
			 Bath and North East Somerset PCT 8.8 
			 Swindon PCT 2.4 
			 North Somerset PCT 12.8 
			 Gloucestershire 27.4 
			 Bristol Teaching 3.7 
			 Wiltshire 6.4 
			 Somerset 5.2 
			 Dorset 4.5 
			 Bournemouth and Poole Teaching 4.3 
			 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 2.8 
			 Devon 3.2 
			 Torbay Care Trust 1.1 
			 (1) Over 52 weeks.  Notes: 1. PCT data will be affected by estimates made for Barnet and Chase Farm hospitals NHS trust that may not reflect their true position. 2. Median waits are calculated from aggregate returns, and are therefore only an estimate of the average wait. 3. PCTs where the median falls in the 52+ week timeband are shown as 'over 52 weeks'.  Source: Dept of Health form DM01

Hospitals: Screening

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to reduce the disparity between the regions in the figures for the percentage of stroke victims who receive brain scans within 24 hours of their admission to hospital.

Ann Keen: The new National Stroke Strategy, announced in December, will modernise services and deliver the newest treatments for stroke across England. The strategy emphasises the need to improve access to scans and stipulates that brain imaging should be performed in the next scan slot, or within 60 minutes of request out of hours. We are asking all local stroke networks to ensure that any patient who could benefit from urgent care should be transferred to an acute stroke centre that provides 24-hour access to scans and other specialist stroke care.
	The national health service is funded to implement the strategy. We have fully costed the proposals in the strategy, and this will be reflected in the allocation which goes to primary care trusts for next year. In addition, we have committed new central funds totalling 105 million over the next three years. Some of that new funding will be used to develop demonstration sites for acute services which will enable us to not only show a step change in service provision in those areas, but to provide lessons that can be shared. The 105 million is central fundingon top of money going into the NHS to support this change.

Local Involvement Networks

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish guidance on local involvement networks for local authorities; and by when he plans to require that guidance to be implemented.

Ann Keen: The NHS Centre for Involvement (NCI) has been contracted by the Department to promote more effective patient and public involvement and consultation and to provide support, advice and guidance to stakeholders in this respect. The NCI will be producing a detailed compendium of guidance from 1 April, when local involvement networks (LINks) will come into force.
	Since the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 was enacted in October last year, a great deal of support work has been done to ensure that a LINk is established in each local authority (LA) area. This has included 10,000 being allocated to each LA and the monthly issuing of newsletters designed to help local authorities plan for LINks.
	In addition, in August 2007, the Department published its Getting Ready for LINks guidance, which set out the activities that local authorities should be undertaking in order to successfully contract with a host organisation to run its local LINk.

NHS: ICT

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which strategic health authorities have trusts with Cerner Millennium systems  (a) installed and  (b) proposed for installation; who in NHS headquarters has the responsibility for collating the experience of trusts with Cerner; what assessment he has made of levels of satisfaction with Cerner in the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: Information on existing deployments for each strategic health authority (SHA) area are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  SHA  Trust 
			 NHS London Homerton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 
			  Newham Healthcare NHS Trust 
			  Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust 
			  Queen Mary's Sidcup NHS Trust 
			   
			 South Central Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust 
			  Milton Keynes General Hospital NHS Trust 
			  Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust 
			  Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust 
			   
			 South East Coast Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust 
			  Worthing and Southlands Hospitals 
			   
			 South West Weston Area Health NHS Trust 
			  Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust 
		
	
	Other trusts in these SHA areas, and one further trust in the North West SHA, will in due course go live with the Cerner Millennium system on dates to be determined by local agreement with the national health service bodies concerned.
	While many users who have become familiar with the Cerner Millennium software over time have expressed satisfaction with the system, we are aware that initial concerns have been expressed by some users about the level and quality of functionality provided following some recent deployments of the system. These concerns are being investigated.
	Since April 2007, deployment of systems is the responsibility of the SHAs. However, at a national level, NHS Connecting for Health collates information about the performance of suppliers and handles commercial issues. NHS Connecting for Health and SHAs are working closely with the relevant local service providers, and their sub-contractor Cerner to address the user's concerns about the product and its ease of use. The continuous process of applying lessons learned from each deployment aims to ensure the system achieves its potential to serve the needs of the NHS.

NHS: Manpower

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what forecasts he has made of the future requirements for additional  (a) radiographers,  (b) radiologists and  (c) bowel screening colonoscopists over the next five years (i) in England and (ii) in Gloucestershire; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: Work force planning is a matter for local determination, as local work force planners are best placed to assess the health care needs of their local population. The Department continues to ensure the frameworks are in place to support this.
	The number of qualified radiographers employed in the national health service has increased by 2,793 (23.72 per cent.) since September 1997.
	The number of diagnostic radiographers has increased by 2,171 (20.9 per cent.) since 1997.
	The number of therapeutic radiographers has increased by 622 (44.2 per cent.) since 1997.
	
		
			  NHS hospital and community health service (HCHS): scientific, therapeutic and technical staff by type, England as at 30 September each year 
			  Headcount 
			  Qualified allied health profession  1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006( 1) 
			 All radiographers 11,771 12,118 12,330 10,478 10,655 13,031 13,344 13,900 14,539 14,564 
			  Of which:   
			 Diagnostic radiography(2) 10,364 10,645 10,839 9,169 9,264 11,489 11,687 12,147 12,700 12,535 
			 Therapeutic radiography 1,407 1,473 1,491 1,309 1,391 1,542 1,657 1,753 1,839 2,029 
			 (1) More accurate validation in 2006 has resulted in 9,858 duplicate records being identified and removed from the non-medical census. Although this represents less than 1 per cent. of total records, it should be taken into consideration when making historical comparisons. These 9,858 duplicate records, broken down by main staff group, are: 3,370 qualified nurses; 1,818 qualified scientific, therapeutic and technical staff; 2,719 support to doctors and nurses; 368 support to scientific, therapeutic and technical staff; 1,562 NHS infrastructure support; and 21 in other areas. (2) New occupation codes for health care scientists were introduced in 2003. As a result, a small number of staff previously included under diagnostic radiography are now classified within medical physics.  Note: The impact of duplicates on full-time equivalent has been minimal with the removal of 507.  Source: The Information Centre for health and social care non-medical work force census 
		
	
	The number of consultant radiologists has increased by 632 (42.9 per cent.) since 1997.
	
		
			  HCHS medical and dental consultants (including directors of public health) by specialty group, England at 30 September 
			  Number 
			   1997  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 Radiology 1,473 1,514 1,540 1,616 1,683 1,745 1,860 1,928 2,058 2,105 
			  Source: The Information Centre for health and social care. 
		
	
	The annual NHS work force census does not separately identify the number of bowel screening colonoscopists as they are not a registered specialty or profession and consist of people from a number of different work force groups.

Nurses: Cancer Treatment

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many specialist clinical nurses there are for  (a) each cancer specialism and  (b) each cancer network; and what assessment he has made of the efficacy of clinical nurse specialist provision;
	(2)  how many lung cancer patients there were per lung cancer clinical nurse specialist in each cancer network in the latest period for which figures are available;
	(3)  if he will make it his policy to retain current numbers of lung cancer clinical nurse specialists;
	(4)  what steps he is taking to improve the access of lung cancer patients to clinical nurse specialists.

Ann Keen: Data on the number of clinical nurse specialists are not collected centrally. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has identified clinical nurse specialists as core members of the multidisciplinary cancer team in their  Improving Outcomes' series of guidance.
	Since 1997 there are over 79,000 (25 per cent.) more nurses in the national health service. It is for cancer networks to work in partnership with strategic health authorities, primary care trusts, NHS trusts and postgraduate deaneries to make the best use of these staff and to put in place a sustainable process to assess, plan and review their workforce needs and the education and training of all staff linked to local and national priorities for cancer including the implementation of NICE Improving Outcomes Guidance.

Nursing and Midwifery Council: Management

Jim Devine: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements his Department has for oversight of the governance and management practices of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Ben Bradshaw: The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is an independent regulatory body and as such is responsible for its own internal management practices.
	The Government have reviewed the governance of all the health care regulatory bodies and published their proposals in the White Paper, Trust, Assurance and Safety The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century. These include a number of reforms to the governance of the regulatory bodies, such as the introduction of appointment only councils that are smaller and more board-like.
	The Government established the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence (CHRE) in April 2003 with functions that include promoting best practice and consistency in the regulation of health care professionals and reporting on the performance of regulators' various functions. As part of its responsibilities, CHRE undertakes an annual performance review, of which governance is a key factor, of all of the health care regulators.

Ophthalmic Services: Expenditure

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of ophthalmic services in  (a) England and  (b) each English region was in each of the last two years.

Ann Keen: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 25 October 2007,  Official Report, columns 568-69W.

Organs

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many organs for transplantation were  (a) stolen and  (b) lost from NHS premises in each of the last five years.

Ann Keen: Under the Human Tissue Act 2004 (Ethical Approval, Exceptions from Licensing and Supply of Information about Transplants) Regulations 2006, practitioners must be able to account for every organ procured, transplanted or in any case where the organ is not transplanted, the manner of disposal. There is no evidence to show that any organs for transplant have been either lost or stolen from national health service premises.

Organs: Donors

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will seek discussions with his Spanish counterpart to discuss policy on organ donation.

Ann Keen: As part of its work to examine how donation rates might be improved, the organ donation taskforce looked at successful models of organ donation from across the world. As part of that process, Dr. Rafael Matesanz, of the Organizacion Nacional de Trasplantes in Spain, and architect of the successful Spanish model, gave a presentation to Taskforce on the system in operation in Spain. The former Minister of State (Ms Winterton) attended this Taskforce meeting.
	Both the Taskforce, and officials within the Department will continue to work closely with officials in Spain during the implementation phase of the Taskforce report.

Patients: Surveys

Julie Kirkbride: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost of the GP patient survey is; and how much has been spent on translation services for the survey.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department has budgeted around 10 million for this year's general practitioner patient survey. This includes costs to conduct both the access and choice parts of the survey. It is not possible to give a more detailed breakdown of costs as this would require disclosure of commercially sensitive and confidential information provided by our suppliers.

Peterborough Primary Care Trust: Screening

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women were screened for  (a) breast cancer and  (b) cervical cancer in the Peterborough primary care trust and predecessor trusts in each year since 2001; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: Screening for cancer saves lives. The earlier that cancer can be diagnosed the greater the chance of it being cured and screening is vital to diagnosing some cancers early. It is for strategic health authorities working in partnership with their primary care trusts (PCTs), local screening services and stakeholders to provide appropriate screening services for their local populations.
	Women aged between 50 and 70 are invited for free breast screening every three years. The numbers of women screened for breast cancer in the Peterborough PCT and its predecessor trusts in each year since 2001 are shown in the following table.
	For ease of interpretation, the proportion of eligible women that have had a test with a recorded result at least once in the previous three years has also been provided. Information has been provided for the 53-64 age group, because coverage is dependant on the three year screening round. As the breast screening programme was not extended to women aged 65-70 until April 2006, three year coverage will not be fully available for this age group until 2008-09.
	
		
			  N umber of women aged 53-64 screened for breast cancer in Peterborough PCT and its predecessor trusts and the proportion of the eligible population that this represents in each year since 2001 
			   2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			  North Peterborough :   
			 Eligible population(1) 6,583 6,710 6,707 6,743 6,848 (3) 
			 Women screened (less than three years since last test) 5,114 4,669 5,336 4,992 5,464 (3) 
			 Coverage (less than three years since last test) (percentage) 77.7 69.6 79.6 74.0 79.8 (3) 
			  South Peterborough :   
			 Eligible population(1) 6,182 6,462 6,796 6,889 7,176 (3) 
			 Women screened (less than three years since last test) 4,861 5,139 5,532 5,648 5,933 (3) 
			 Coverage (less than three years since last test) (percentage) 78.6 79.5 81.4 82.0 82.7 (3) 
			
			  Peterborough( 2)( :)   
			 Eligible population(1) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) 10,198 
			 Women screened (less than three years since last test) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) 8,006 
			 Coverage (less than three years since last test) (percentage) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) 78.5 
			 (1) This is the number of women in the resident population less those with recall ceased for clinical reasons. (2) Following the restructuring of PCTs in October 2006, Peterborough PCT comprised North Peterborough PCT and a proportion of South Peterborough PCT (other proportions went to make up Northamptonshire PCT and Cambridgeshire PCT). Consequently, data for 2001-02 to 2005-06 are not directly comparable with 2006-07. (3) Data are not applicable.  Source: KC63, The Information Centre for health and social care 
		
	
	Women aged between 25 and 64 are invited to participate in the national cervical screening programme. The numbers of women screened for cervical cancer in Peterborough PCT and its predecessor trusts in each year since 2001 are in the following table. For ease of interpretation, the proportion of eligible women that have had a test with a recorded result at least once in the previous five years has also been provided.
	
		
			  N umber of women screened for cervical cancer in Peterborough PCT and its predecessor trusts and the proportion of the eligible population that this represents in each year since 2001 
			   2001-02  2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			  North Peterborough :   
			 Eligible population(1) 25,363 25,586 25,852 26,191 26,683 (3) 
			 Number of women screened (less than five years since last adequate test) 20,588 20,574 20,620 20,446 20,510 (3) 
			 Coverage (less than five years since last adequate test) (percentage) 81.2 80.4 79.8 78.1 76.9 (3) 
			  South Peterborough :   
			 Eligible Population(1) 22,640 23,106 23,684 24,342 25,258 (3) 
			 Number of women screened (less than five years since last adequate test) 19,177 19,456 19,848 20,232 20,853 (3) 
			 Coverage (less than five years since last adequate test) (percentage) 84.7 84.2 83.8 83.1 82.6 (3) 
			  Peterborough( 2:)   
			 Eligible population(1) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) 39,748 
			 Number of women screened (less than five years since last test) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) 30,851 
			 Coverage (less than five years since last adequate test) (percentage) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) 77.6 
			 (1) This is the number of women in the resident population less those with recall ceased for clinical reasons. (2) Following the restructuring of PCTs in October 2006, Peterborough PCT comprised North Peterborough PCT and a proportion of South Peterborough PCT (other proportions went to make up Northamptonshire PCT and Cambridgeshire PCT). Consequently, data for 2001-02 to 2005-06 are not directly comparable with 2006-07. (3) Data are not applicable.  Source: KC53, Parts A2 and A3 The Information Centre for health and social care.

Peterborough Primary Care Trust: Screening

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the take-up of bowel cancer screening among men aged over 60 years of age in the Peterborough primary care trust area from April; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: The national health service bowel cancer screening programme is the first cancer screening programme in England to invite men as well as women.
	National roll out of the NHS bowel cancer screening programme began in April 2006, with the first invitations sent out in July 2006, and is expected to be complete by December 2009.
	This is an ambitious project and when the programme is fully rolled out, it is expected to detect around 3,000 cancers per year in England.

Strokes: East of England

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will commission research into the time taken for the East of England region stroke patients to receive a brain scan; and if he will make a statement.

Ann Keen: A national sentinel audit for stroke has been carried out by the Royal College of Physicians since 1998. The latest audit in 2006 was funded by the Healthcare Commission. The aims of the audit include enabling national health service trusts, including those in the East of England region, to evaluate the quality of their stroke services by comparison with national standards. The audits results cover facilities for and access to brain scans. A further audit will be undertaken in 2008. The 2006 audit is available on the Royal College of Physicians website at:
	www.rcplondon.ac.uk/pubs/books/strokeaudit/

TRANSPORT

A1079: Accidents

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment her Department has made of road safety on the A1079 road between Hull and York; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Department for Transport has not undertaken an assessment of road safety on the A1079. As part of the local authority's Primary Route Network, this road is the responsibility of the East Riding of Yorkshire council. It is for the council to assess the needs and priorities of all the roads within its control and decide how best to target its resources.

A1079: Accidents

Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people were  (a) killed and  (b) injured in road traffic incidents on the A1079 road in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The numbers of casualties resulting from reported personal injury road accidents that were  (a) killed and  (b) injured on the A1079 in 2002 to 2006 are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Number of casualties 
			   Killed  Injured( 1) 
			 2002 3 246 
			 2003 4 255 
			 2004 5 198 
			 2005 11 184 
			 2006 2 154 
			 (1) Seriously or slightly injured

A12

John Whittingdale: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what occasions the A12 has been closed between the M25 and Ipswich in the last three years; and what the location and the duration of each closure was.

Tom Harris: The following table provides details of the information requested.
	
		
			  A12 closure, location and duration 1 January 2005 to 31 January 2008 
			  Date  Location  Duration 
			 5 January 2005 A12 Boreham southbound due to accident 05:30:00 
			 7 February 2005 A12 northbound between the junctions with the A1 30 and the A1 20 due to accident 01:21:00 
			 7 February 2005 A1 2 Eight Ash Green - Police closure request 00:20:00 
			 18 February 2005 A12 southbound between the junctions with the A1 30 and the A41 4 due to an accident 00:43:00 
			 9 March 2005 A12 northbound closed between the junctions with the A120 and the A14 due to an accident 01:50:00 
			 10 March 2005 A12-A120 Crown Interchange, southbound entry slip - Pedestrian Fatality 04:28:00 
			 24 March 2005 A12 Stratford St Mary, northbound - Incident involving a car fire 01:30:00 
			 17 April 2005 A12 Marks Tey, just prior to A120 exit slip, southbound - fatality 04:30:00 
			 22 April 2005 A12 southbound between the junctions with the A1023 and the A41 4 due to an accident 00:52:00 
			 25 April 2005 A12 Hatfield Peverel southbound HGV overturned 06:55:00 
			 10 May 2005 A12 Mountnessing Interchange - southbound exit slip road due to an accident 02:05:00 
			 10 May 2005 A1 2 Capel St Mary - southbound carriageway closed following incident 00:42:00 
			 8 June 2005 A12 Rivenhall Northbound closed due to accident 01:10:00 
			 9 June 2005 A12 northbound exit slip to A120 due to an accident 01:12:00 
			 14 June 2005 A12 southbound between A130 and A120 due to an accident 03:16:00 
			 15 June 2005 A12 Kelvedon Bypass northbound due to an accident resulting in fatality 04:10:00 
			 23 June 2005 A12 northbound between A130 and A120 due to vehicle fire 03:18:00 
			 27 June 2005 A12 northbound between M25 and A1023 due to chemical spill 01:04:00 
			 3 July 2005 A12 Crown Interchange northbound exit slip due to accident 04:00:00 
			 6 July 2005 A12 Kelvedon Bypass northbound due to an accident 01:55:00 
			 25 August 2005 A12 Stratford St Mary northbound due to lorry overturning 01:35:00 
			 31 August 2005 A12 Hatfield Peverel southbound due to accident 01:20:00 
			 4 September 2005 A12 Kelvedon BP southbound due to motorcyclist fatality (northbound also closed during southbound closure to aid investigation) 03:10:00 
			 5 September 2005 A12 Kelvedon BP northbound due to accident 02:37:00 
			 5 September 2005 A1 2 Witham BP due to accident 01:30:00 
			 17 September 2005 A12 Colchester Northern BP at Spring Lane northbound due to accident 01:20:00 
			 20 September 2005 A12 Colchester Northern BP north and southbound due to suspect package at service station 01:30:00 
			 21 September 2005 A12 Brook St Interchange exit slip southbound due to fatality 05:00:00 
			 1 October 2005 A12 Holton St Mary northbound involving two fatalities 05:00:00 
			 9 November 2005 A12 Marks Tey northbound entry slip closed due to accident fatality 04:05:00 
			 9 November 2005 A12 northbound between A120 and A1124 due to accident 03:32:00 
			 30 November 2005 A12 between A14 and B1070 East Bergholt due to accident 01:25:00 
			 2 December 2005 A12 southbound between Rivenhall End and Witham - Carriageway blocked by 5 No. Vehicle RTA 01:40:00 
			 2 December 2005 A12 southbound between B1 389 junctions, Witham Bypass due to accident 01:25:00 
			 13 December 2005 A12 northbound between A1 124 and A133 (Colchester) - Road closed due to a broken down vehicle 01:44:00 
			 19 January 2006 A12 Kelvedon BP southbound due to accident 01:50:00 
			 31 January 2006 A12 Rivenhall north and southbound due to crossover accident 04:40:00 
			 31 January 2006 A12 Kelvedon BP southbound between B1024 junctions due to accident 05:00:00 
			 17 February 2006 A12 Colchester Northern BP southbound due to diesel tank falling off back of lorry 01:45:00 
			 21 February 2006 A12 between A120 and A133 due to accident 00:09:00 
			 21 April 2006 A12 Howe Green northbound exit slip road due to accident on local network 07:20:00 
			 27 April 2006 A12 Crown Interchange northbound slip road closed due to pedestrian fatality 03:05:00 
			 13 May 2006 A12 Crown Interchange northbound due to accident 02:55:00 
			 13 June 2006 A12 Chelmsford BP northbound nr Jen 16 due to lorry overturning 01:45:00 
			 1 July 2006 A12 northbound at Lynfields Interchange, Witham due to an accident fatality 05:45:00 
			 31 July 2006 A12 Chelmsford BP southbound at Galleywood due to accident 03:10:00 
			 31 July 2006 A12 southbound entry slip from A130 due to accident 01:06:00 
			 31 July 2006 A12 southbound between A138-A130 and A414 Chelmsford due to accident 02:19:00 
			 31 July 2006 A12 Margaretting BP northbound following accident fatality 04:15:00 
			 29 August 2006 A12 southbound between Howe Green Interchange and Webbs Farm Interchange due to accident 06:30:00 
			 7 September2006 A12 Crown Interchange northbound exit slip due to accident 02:45:00 
			 21 October 2006 A12 southbound between Mountnessing Interchange and Brentwood due to accident fatality 03:10:00 
			 10 November 2006 A12 southbound between Webbs Farm Interchange and M25 (J28) due to accident 01:55:00 
			 23 November 2006 A12 northbound nr A414 at Chelmsford due to accident . . 02:28:00 
			 11 January 2007 A12 northbound between A414 and A138-A130 due to an accident 01:40:00 
			 15 January 2007 A12 northbound nr Howe Green Interchange due to accident 02:10:00 
			 18 January 2007 A12 southbound between B1007 and A414 due to accident 06:39:00 
			 18 January 2007 A12 northbound at A414 at Chelmsford due to accident 04:41:00 
			 15 March 2007 A12 eastbound exit for A120 due to unplanned incident 01:49:00 
			 20 March 2007 A12 southbound at Stratford St Mary due to accident 01:15:00 
			 22 May 2007 A12 northbound exit slip to A133 due to overturned HGV 10:45:00 
			 23 May 2007 A12 northbound Ingatestone BP due to accident fatality 03:50:00 
			 5 June 2007 A12 northbound at Brook Street Interchange due to accident 01:10:00 
			 2 July 2007 A12 southbound Mountnessing and Brook Street Interchanges due to accident fatality 05:05:00 
			 16 August 2007 A12 southbound near Howe Green Interchange due to accident fatality 02:35:00 
			 5 October 2007 A12 north and southbound closure due to vehicle fire-danger of oxyacetylene explosion 26:00:00 
			 7 December 2007 A12 north and southbound due to jacknifed lorry-central reserve crossover 10:47:00 
			 21 December 2007 A12 Hatfield Pevferel southbound at Jen 20A due to accident 00:40:00 
			 5 January 2008 A12 Kelvedon Bypass northbound between Kelvedoh South and Kelvedon North Interchanges due to accident 01:46:00 
			 6 January 2008 A12 northbound between Crown Interchange and B1029 due to accident 00:35:00 
			 12 January 2008 A12 northbound between A120 and B1029 Stratford St Mary due to an accident 02:15:00 
			 13 January 2008 A12 northbound Chelmsford Bypass between Sandon Interchange and Boreham Interchange due to accident 05:20:00 
			 25 January 2008 A12 northbound between Kelvedon North and South Interchange due to HGV hire 03:02:00 
			 27 January 2008 A12 northbound between Dedham and Stratford St Mary due to accident fatality 03:15:00 
			 27 January 2008 A1 2 northbound between B1 389 junctions due to an accident 02:25:00 
			 29 January 2008 A12 southbound between Four Sisters and Stratford St Mary Interchanges due to fatality 06:00:00

A12

Brooks Newmark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which five locations  (a) on the A12 in Essex and  (b) in Essex had the highest number of traffic accidents in each of the last five years.

Tom Harris: The following table shows the locations on the A12 in Essex which had the highest number of traffic accidents in each of the last five years. The table does not include statistics for local roads in Essex which are the responsibility of the local highway authority, Essex county council.
	
		
			   Location  Grid reference  Route  Accidents 
			 2003 Near: Slip road with Spring Lane roundabout, Colchester 597130/225461 A12 5 
			  Near: A12 northern slips to A1023 Mountnessing 562574/196774 A12 4 
			  Near: A12 northern slips to Eight Ash Green, Stanway 595012/225141 A12 4 
			  Near: A12 approach to northern slips to Eight Ash Green 594723/225050 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 1/4 mile north of M25. Brentwood 556990/192643 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 Kelvedon north slip roads 587882/220320 A12 3 
			 2004 Near: A12 Witham south slip roads (Lynfields) 580388/212526 A12 9 
			  Near: A12 slip roads to A414, Sandon 574686/205413 A12 5 
			  Near: A12 Stratford Road, Stratford St. Mary 604268/233254 A12 5 
			  Near: A12 under A1023 Mountnessing roundabout 562270/196743 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 Kelvedon south slip roads 585097/217507 A12 3 
			  Near: Slip road with Spring Lane roundabout, Colchester 597120/225526 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 600 m north of Boreham interchange, Chelmsford 575010/210073 A12 3 
			  
			 2005 Near: Slip road with Spring Lane roundabout, Colchester 597167/225505 A12 10 
			  Near A12 Witham south slip roads (Lynfields) 580401/212539 A12 8 
			  Near: A12 northern slips to Eight Ash Green, Stanway 594724/225062 A12 5 
			  Near: A12 Kelvedon north slip roads 585006/217422 A12 4 
			  Near: A12/A120 Ardleigh interchange 601910/228934 A12 4 
			  
			 2006 Near: A12 Witham south slip roads (Lynfields) 580412/212559 A12 6 
			  Near: Slip road with Spring Lane roundabout, Colchester 597151/225527 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 Kelvedon north slip roads 587795/220187 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 Hatfield Peverel southern slips 578126/211470 A13 3 
			  Near: A12 200 m south of Boreham interchange 574066/208782 A14 3 
			  Near: A12 southern slips to Eight Ash Green, Stanway 594338/225053 A15 3 
			  
			 2007 Near: Slip road with Spring Lane roundabout, Colchester 597153/225527 A12 5 
			  Near: A12 Witham south slip roads (Lynfields) 580399/212536 A12 5 
			  Near: A12 Hatfield Peverel northern slips 579623/212090 A12 5 
			  Near: A12 Kelvedon south slip roads 585032/217431 A12 5 
			  Near: A12/A120 Ardleigh interchange 601866/228929 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 Hatfield Peverel southern slips 578132/211438 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 northern slip roads to M25 Brook Street 556955/192601 A12 3 
			  Near: A12 Kelvedon bypass near B1023 bridge 587560/218890 A12 3

A13: Sadlers Farm

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations she has received from archaeological groups on investigations to determine the extent of historical workings or artefacts prior to the commencement of works on the A13 Sadlers Farm junction.

Rosie Winterton: To date, the Secretary of State for Transport has received no representations from archaeological groups in connection with A13/A130 Sadlers Farm junction.

A130: Safety Barriers

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will commission a central safety barrier for the A130 between Sadlers Farm, Benfleet and Waterside Farm, Canvey Island.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 5 March 2008
	The commissioning of safety measures on the A130 rests not with the Secretary of State for Transport but with the local highway authority, in this case Essex county council.

Aviation: Exhaust Emissions

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make it her policy that the initial allowances for the aviation sector within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme be subject to auction.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 5 March 2008
	Decisions on the inclusion of aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme require international agreement. Under the agreement at the December 2007 Environment Council meeting, 10 per cent. of the initial allocation of carbon allowances to the aviation sector would be auctioned. The December agreement also made a provision for the level of auctioning to be reviewed.

Aviation: Exhaust Emissions

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make it her policy that the cap for the aviation sector within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme be set at 90 per cent. of 2004 to 2006 average emissions.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 5 March 2008
	Decisions on the inclusion of aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme require international agreement. Under the agreement at the December 2007 Environment Council meeting, the emissions cap for aviation would be set at 100 per cent. of the average historical emissions in 2004 to 2006. The December agreement also made provision for there to be a review of the emissions cap.

Bus Services: Grants

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much bus service operators grant was paid to community transport organisations in each year since 2002.

Rosie Winterton: The amount of Bus Operators Grant (BSOG) paid by the Department to community transport organisations operating services under section 19 of the Transport Act 1985 has been as follows:
	
		
			
			 2002-03 663,724 
			 2003-04 2,807,432 
			 2004-05 4,518,738 
			 2005-06 4,343,320 
			 2006-07 5,240,332 
		
	
	In addition a number of community transport bodies receive BSOG for the operation of local bus services under section 22 of the Transport Act 1985 but a separate record is not kept of the payments to these services.

Bus Services: Subsidies

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the average public subsidy to a bus operating on the non-tendered network in  (a) Greater Manchester and  (b) England in 2006-07.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 29 February 2008
	We estimate that in 2006-07 the average subsidy (defined as reimbursement of the costs of concessionary fares and payments of Bus Service Operators Grant) per bus operating non-tendered mileage was:
	
		
			   Cost () 
			 Greater Manchester 35,272 
			 Rest of England(1) 35,282 
			 (1) Excluding London which is essentially a tendered network. 
		
	
	For the purposes of this calculation we have used the assumption, derived from statistical surveys of the proportion of bus operated mileage which is on non-tendered routes, that 80 per cent. of buses are engaged in non-tendered work and that 80 per cent. of subsidy (as defined in the table) is with respect to non-tendered routes.

Cars: Exhaust Emissions

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cars were sold in 2007 with tailpipe carbon emissions below 110g/km in the  (a) UK and  (b) EU.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Statistics regarding vehicles newly registered in 2007 are not yet available.
	However, the number of cars newly registered in Great Britain in 2006 were as follows:
	
		
			   Number 
			 Number of cars newly registered in 2006 2,340,043 
			  Of which:  
			 Number where CO2 emissions less than 110 g/km 42,192 
			  Of which:  
			 Number where CO2 emissions greater than or equal to 110 g/km 2,253,222 
			  Of which:  
			 Number where CO2 emissions not available 44,629 
		
	
	These data include all cars that have been newly registered in 2006 and will, therefore, include vehicles that have been imported into Great Britain during this time.

Concessionary Bus Travel

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether she has had discussions with National Express on bringing them wholly or partially into the national concessionary bus fares scheme.

Rosie Winterton: I have had no discussions with National Express regarding the extension of concessionary travel to their coaches. There are no proposals at present to extend statutory concessionary fares to forms of transport other than local bus services.
	Since 2003, there has been a half-fare concessionary travel scheme for older and eligible disabled people on long distance coaches. It is a voluntary scheme but the major providers of long distance coach services, including National Express, take part. The scheme will continue following the introduction of the England-wide free off-peak local bus travel concession in April.

Concessionary Bus Travel

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the cost of implementation of the national concessionary bus fares scheme.

Rosie Winterton: Our assessment of the likely cost impact of the new concession is based on generous assumptions about pass take-up, fares and increased patronage. On this basis we have allocated an additional 212 million to travel concession authorities from 1 April, enough to fund around an extra 200 million bus journeys across England. We are confident that this funding is sufficient to cover the additional cost of the new concession.
	The money will be distributed by a special grant, in line with the wishes of local government itself, using a formula to direct funding to areas likely to experience increased costs such as urban and tourist centres and coastal towns. The formula used is based on the most popular option with local authorities, as determined from our recent consultation on the issue.

Concessionary Bus Travel

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Answer of 7 February 2008,  Official Report, column 1414W, on concessionary bus travel, what funding has been provided for bus concession travel through the formula grant process in each year for which figures are available; and how much and what percentage of that funding was allocated to Taunton Deane local authority area in each of those years.

Rosie Winterton: Between 2000 and 31 March 2006 the statutory minimum bus concession was half fare off-peak local bus travel within an eligible resident's local authority area. During this period funding to local authorities for the statutory minimum concession through formula grant was not separately identified.
	From 1 April 2006, with the improvement to the statutory minimum concession to free off-peak local bus travel within a resident's local authority area, the Government provided an extra 350 million in 2006-07 and a further 367.5 million in 2007-08. The Revenue Support Grant formula does not allow us to identify how much of that formula grant funding for concessionary travel was allocated to individual local authorities such as Taunton Deane borough council in those years.

Concessionary Travel: Mentally Ill People

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make people with mental health illnesses eligible for the national concessionary fares scheme; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The Transport Act 2000 (or for those resident in London, the Greater London Authority Act 1999) makes provision for concessionary travel for a wide range of disabled people including people with severe learning disabilities. We have no plans at present to change the eligibility criteria for statutory concessionary bus travel to include people with mental health illnesses. Local authorities retain the ability to offer discretionary concessions over and above the statutory minimum at their own expense. This can include offering concessionary travel to other categories of people, such as those with mental health problems.
	Our current focus is on the successful implementation of the new all-England off-peak bus travel concession from April this year. Any changes to the scope of the statutory minimum concession, such as extending the eligibility criteria, would significantly increase the number of people eligible for concessionary travel at any time and would have to be fully funded. The impacts would need to be considered carefully following consultation with all the interested parties.

Cycleways

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what her plans are for increasing the length of the UK cycle network in each region over the next five years.

Rosie Winterton: The Department announced in January a 140 million investment for cycling in England over the next three years to complement local authority spend. This has a number of programmes including new routes to around 500 schools, building on the successful Links to Schools programme where 18.4 million of Government funding since 2005 has provided 295 links to over 600 schools and forms part of the National Cycle Network (NCN).
	47 million has also been allocated for extending the Cycling Demonstration Towns (CDT) programme to up to 17 towns including a large city. The outcome of the bidding process for new CDTs is due to be announced later this year. Until the new CDTs and six existing ones develop their future programmes, I am unable to say what the precise plans are for increasing the cycle network in the CDTs.
	Local authorities provide on and off road cycle facilities such as cycle tracks and cycle lanes, using their Local Transport Plan (LTP) Integrated Block grant from the DfT (which covers schemes costing less than 5 million and includes such cycle schemes) plus their own funding. The Department has encouraged local authorities to develop a cycling strategy as part of the LTP process from 2006 to 2011. It is for local authorities to determine the development of the local cycle networks as part of that strategy. Sustrans, who have developed the NCN, then work with local authorities to link the local networks to it.
	The aforementioned covers England only (excluding London) as that is the Department's responsibility. Responsibility for cycling in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is a devolved matter for the administrations there. The Mayor of London is responsible for the development of the cycle network in London.

Cycling England

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the 17 million Cycling England programme has been reflected in Barnett consequentials in the Welsh block grant.

Rosie Winterton: The Wales departmental expenditure limits for the CSR period were published in the comprehensive spending review last October. They were determined in the normal way through the published Barnett formula. The block grant for the Welsh Assembly Government for 2008-09 will be published in the Wales Office annual report later in the year. For the SR04 period, the Welsh DEL were published in the 2004 Spending Review based on the Statement of Funding Policy published in that year. The block grant for 2007-08 was published in the 2007 Wales Office annual report. The published Barnett formula comparability factor for the Department for Transport used in the CSR is 68.3 per cent. while that for SR04 was 63.8 per cent.

Cycling: Environment Protection

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice she has offered to partners in local strategic partnerships and local area agreements on cycling as a form of sustainable transport.

Rosie Winterton: Specific advice related to transport (including cycling) and local area agreements Was published in December 2007 by the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport entitled 'Local Transport Services: the Crucial Role of the New Local Performance Framework' and can be viewed at:
	www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/transport
	Earlier this year the Secretary of State set out our approach to cycling in A Sustainable Approach for Cycling, the same time announcing a six fold increase in the budget for Cycling England, which will complement local authority spend. Their budget will double to 20 million next year and then rise to 60 million in both 2009-10 and 2010-11.
	This investment will enable an extra 500,000 children to have access to the new Bikeability cycle training by 2012, create additional safer walking and cycling routes to at least 500 schools and allow the expansion of the Cycling Demonstration Town programme.

Dartford Tunnel: Tolls

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many DART-Tag holders live in  (a) DA11,  (b) DA12,  (c) DA13 and  (d) ME3 postcode areas.

Rosie Winterton: We do not hold data in the form requested. DART-Tags are registered against accounts and may be switched between users. The address held relates only to the account holder. In some cases there is more than one tag registered on an account.
	The following figures show the number of accounts registered against addresses in these postcode areas. The account holder may not necessarily live at the address; in some cases the address will be that of a business.
	
		
			   Number of accounts 
			  (a) DA11 550 
			  (b) DA12 622 
			  (c) DA13 288 
			  (d) ME3 401

Dartford Tunnel: Tolls

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much pre-payment income was received from DART tag holders at the Dartford River crossing in each of the last 12 months; and how many crossings were made by such customers in the last 12 months.

Rosie Winterton: Figures are shown in the following table for the last 12 months.
	
		
			  Month  Payments made by DART-Tag  Number of journeys paid by DART-Tag 
			 February 2007 1,524,951 953,081 
			 March 2007 1,743,635 1,086,697 
			 April 2007 1,573,164 973,733 
			 May 2007 1,712,556 1,061,490 
			 June 2007 1,679,862 1,040,529 
			 July 2007 1,707,228 1,057,714 
			 August 2007 1,644,092 1,010,793 
			 September 2007 1,613,375 996,365 
			 October 2007 1,760,293 1,088,126 
			 November 2007 l.718,358 1,063,974 
			 December 2007 1,374,864 854,054 
			 January 2008 1,688,562 1,049,550 
			 Total 19,740,946 12,236,106

Departmental Home Working

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people in her Department have been able to work from home in the last 12 months.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Older Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people over the age of 55 have been recruited by her Department in each of the last three years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Tabled are the details of the number of DfT staff recruited throughout each of the last three years for each agency:
	
		
			   2005  2006  2007  Total 
			 DFT(c) 31 8 8 47 
			 DSA 34 23 23 80 
			 DVLA 11 10 16 37 
			 HA 72 52 21 145 
			 MCA 8 8 13 29 
			 VCA 0 0 3 3 
			 VOSA 7 6 14 27 
			 GCDA 3 6 3 12 
			 Total 166 113 101 380

Departmental Recruitment

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the policy of British jobs for British workers will affect her Department's recruitment policy.

Jim Fitzpatrick: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, the hon. Member for West Bromwich, East (Mr. Watson) on 3 March 2008,  Official Report, columns 2205-06W.

Departmental Retirement

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff in her Department retired on grounds of stress-related illness in each of the last three years.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	The Department has a stress policy in place and also believes in early intervention by occupational health in response to reported stress absences. All staff have access to counselling services.

Departmental Temporary Employment

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what average hourly rate her Department and its predecessors paid to employment agencies for agency staff in each year since 1999, broken down by employment agency.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Fairtrade Initiative

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will take steps to promote Fair Trade Fortnight 2008 amongst staff within her Department; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Within our main London HQ building a number of Fairtrade products are already available in the staff restaurant. These, and other products that become available from our suppliers, will be promoted during Fairtrade fortnight.
	Fairtrade fortnight is promoted at regional Department for Transport sites. Promotions reflect local building management arrangement but include the display of Fair Trade posters, leaflets and catalogues, free samples, products for purchase and awareness sessions.

Great Western Trains: Rolling Stock

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to her written ministerial statement of 26 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 73-4WS, on First Great Western franchise, how many carriages First Great Western is running; how many the franchise requires them to run from April 2008; and how many they will run from April 2008.

Tom Harris: holding answer 29 February 2008
	I refer the hon. Gentleman to the written statement made by my hon. Friend the Secretary of State, on 26 February 2008. This statement confirmed that additional carriages will be added to trains operating the First Great Western Portsmouth to Cardiff route from this summer.
	The franchise agreement will be changed specifically to commit First Great Western to implementing the passenger benefits package, including the additional carriages for the Cardiff to Portsmouth route. These will comprise 10 extra carriages.
	With regard to other rolling stock in its fleet, First Great Western has in the past increased the size of its fleet in response to operational needs, but details of the extra rolling stock are matters for First Great Western itself.

Heathrow Airport: Security

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will meet the British Airports Authority to discuss a review of security arrangements following the incident at Heathrow airport on 25 February.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 29 February 2008
	The airport operator is investigating the incident and keeping the Department informed. We will ensure prompt action is taken where necessary.

Housing: Infrastructure

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on improvements to infrastructure in relation to large scale new housing development.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 29 February 2008
	The Department for Transport is a co-signatory of the Government's PSA Target to Increase Long Term Housing Supply and Affordability. To support its delivery, the Department for Transport and the Department for Communities and Local Government have together developed a work programme that evaluates the need for infrastructure improvements to support housing growth. Progress on the work programme is reviewed by both Departments on a regular basis.

Intercity Express

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when she expects a prototype of the new Intercity Express to be available for testing on the network.

Tom Harris: Prototypes for the new trains are scheduled for on-track testing in 2012. The first of the trains will enter operational service in 2013.

Intercity Express: Consultants

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much her Department has spent to date on consultants on the specification for the new Intercity Express programme; and for what reason this matter was not deemed to be one for the rolling stock companies.

Tom Harris: The Department for Transport has spent 7.9 million on the project since 2005. The Department has taken the lead in developing the specification to ensure we achieve maximum benefits for passengers and value for money for taxpayers for what is expected to be one of the largest rolling stock orders ever placed in the UK.
	The procurement process for the new train was open to all interested parties within the industry, including rolling stock companies. Tenders are due to be returned in May.

M6: Lancashire

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether Government funding has been allocated for the Heysham/M6 link road.

Rosie Winterton: Lancashire county council have informed the Department for Transport that the latest outturn total cost for the Heysham to M6 link scheme is now estimated to be 140 million. The next steps are for the North West region to confirm that it continues to support the scheme at the higher cost, and for DfT to conclude our assessment and appraisal of Lancashire's major scheme business case. This will allow DfT to take a decision on whether to grant programme entry.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency: Pay

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations she has received from  (a) management,  (b) trade unions and  (c) others on pay levels for staff in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what occasions she has met representatives of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to discuss the pay dispute in that organisation.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Ministers have regular meetings with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's chief executive to discuss a range of important issues, including levels of pay. I have also met trade unions to listen to their concerns about MCA pay levels and have corresponded with union representatives and Members of this House who have raised similar concerns on behalf of constituents.

Motor Vehicles: Excise Duties

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cars were registered in each vehicle excise duty band in each region in England and Wales in each year since 1997.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Oil: Prices

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what price of oil has been used by her Department when making forecasts of congestion on the road network; and if she will make a statement.

Tom Harris: holding answer 29 February 2008
	The Department for Transport uses oil price projections from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) to produce a fuel price forecast. This is then used in the Department's National Transport Model (NTM) for forecasting congestion on the road network. Their latest projections are for oil (in 2006 prices) to fall gradually to $50 by 2015 before then rising to $52.5 in 2020 (approximately $75 in nominal prices).
	BERR also produce a high and low projection around this central price which we have also used in our forecasts. These are for prices of $25 and $80 (about $115 nominal) in 2020. The Department forecasts congestion in different scenarios including ones where high prices are assumed. This is to check the robustness of estimates were high oil prices, such as those observed currently in crude oil markets, to continue.
	BERR are currently revising their oil price projections in light of a consultation on them that has recently ended. We will use this revised information to determine new traffic and congestion forecasts.

Parking Offences: Cameras

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport under what legislation CCTV cameras may be used to enforce parking restrictions; what guidance she has  (a) issued and  (b) plans to issue in the next 12 months to local authorities on the use of such cameras, with particular reference to the impact on (i) disabled drivers and (ii) drivers collecting passengers or unloading goods; what discussions she has had with motoring groups about the use of such cameras; and if she will make a statement.

Rosie Winterton: The London Local Authorities Act 2000 empowers traffic authorities in London to use CCTV to enforce parking. The civil enforcement of parking provisions in part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 will be applied from 31 March 2008, replacing the London legislation and giving all English traffic authorities the option of using CCTV to detect parking contraventions. The new legislation requires CCTV cameras and associated evidence recording equipment to be certified by the Secretary of State for Transport.
	On 28 February this year, the Secretary of State published statutory guidance on civil parking enforcement in accordance with section 87 of the Traffic Management Act. That guidance makes it clear that CCTV should be considered only where enforcement is difficult or sensitive, and it should not be used where exemptions, such as those for loading and unloading and for 'blue-badge' holders, are not visible to the equipment. Guidance on the procedures for obtaining certification of CCTV equipment was also published on 28 February. Further and more detailed operational guidance will be published later in March.
	The AA and the RAC were members of the working group that advised the Department on the regulations and guidance to implement part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Public Transport: Concessions

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment she has made of the  (a) feasibility and  (b) cost of giving people eligible for free bus passes free local travel on all modes of public transport available in their local area.

Rosie Winterton: While there are no plans at present to extend statutory concessionary travel, local authorities retain the ability to offer discretionary concessions. This includes concessionary travel on other modes of transport in their area, over and above the statutory minimum, at their own expense.
	Our current focus is on the successful implementation of the new all-England bus concession from 1 April. However, although we have not conducted a detailed consideration of the feasibility or cost of further extensions, we have developed some outline cost estimates based on broad assumptions. These suggested that the annual cost of extending statutory concessionary travel nationally to rail could be at least 250 million; to trams and light rail systems about 15 million, and to demand responsive community transport services at least a further 25 million.
	Given the large number of inquiries we receive about the cost of extensions we have recently commissioned some research to provide a more robust estimate of various costs. This will allow us to give more detailed response to similar inquiries in the future. We expect this work to be completed in the next few months.

Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when she expects her Department's review of the operation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to report.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Renewables Fuels Agency (RFA) will have a duty to report to Ministers on a quarterly basis on the implementation of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO). These reports will cover matters such as the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that the policy has saved, the types of biofuel that different transport fuel suppliers have chosen to source, and the origin and sustainability impacts of those biofuels. The first of these reports is due to be submitted in September 2008, by which time the RFA will have gathered data from the first three months of the RTFO'S operation.
	In addition, the Government have recently asked the RFA to lead a review of the indirect impacts of biofuel production. The terms of reference for this review are being finalised. Initial analysis is due to be provided to Ministers by the early summer.

Roads: Canvey Island

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if she will make a statement on the inquiry into an additional access road for Canvey Island; and what the  (a) timetable and  (b) cost of the inquiry is expected to be.

Rosie Winterton: The question of an additional access road to Canvey Island is a matter for Essex county council as local highway authority. I understand that at present they have no proposals which are at or approaching the stage of a public inquiry.

Roads: Finance

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which road schemes in Gravesham have been paid for by funds raised from the Dartford River Crossing; and how much such funding was spent on these schemes in each of the last five years.

Rosie Winterton: The Transport Act 2000 requires that all net revenues from the charging scheme at Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing are spent on transport. Revenues therefore increase the funding available for investment by the Department of Transport. This has helped to ensure delivery, for example, of schemes benefiting users of the Crossing, such as major improvements to the A2.
	Since 2003, when the charging scheme was introduced, the Department has made available 1 million per year to Kent county council, and between 0.75 million and 1 million per year to Thurrock council, to help deliver local transport projects. This is in recognition of the impact of the Crossing on local residents. This funding is in addition to the regular local transport block allocations for Kent county council (which in 2007-08 totalled 36.7 million) and support for local authority major schemes, such as Kent Fastrack.
	Kent county council's financial returns to the Department do not include a full breakdown of its actual expenditure between district areas, so it is not possible to provide figures for Kent's actual expenditure on roads in Gravesham district.

Roads: Finance

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the latest ministerially-approved costs are of road schemes in the Highways Agency's Major Roads programme  (a) in total and  (b) broken down by individual scheme.

Tom Harris: The following table lists all schemes in the Highways Agency's programme of Major schemes which were not opened to traffic as of 21 February 2008.
	
		
			  Scheme name  Latest ministerial approved estimates ( million) 
			 A2 Bean-Cobham Widening Phase 2 122 
			 A11 Fiveways to Thetford 60 
			 M6 Carlisle to Guardsmill 175 
			 A14 Haughley New St to Stowmarket Improvement 32 
			 A3 Hindhead Improvement 371 
			 A38 Dobwalls Bypass 42 
			 A595 Parton - Lillyhall Improvement 35 
			 A1 Peterborough Blyth (North and South) 83 
			 M62 J6 Improvement 38 
			 A46 Newark - Widmerpool Improvement 317 
			 A5117/A550 Deeside Park Junctions Improvement 43 
			 A419 Blunsdon 65 
			 A66 Temple Sowerby 40 
			 A1 Dishforth to Barton 325 
			 A1 Bramham - Wetherby (including Wetherby Bypass) 61 
			 M40/A404 Handy Cross Junction Imp 13 
			 A47 Blofield to North Burlingham Dualling 15 
			 A66 Long Newton GSJ 12 
			 A69 Haydon Bridge Bypass 26 
			 M1 J19/M6 123 
			 A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton 944 
			 A57/A628 Mottram - Hollingworth  Tintwhistle 184 
			 A45/A46 Tollbar End 57 
			 M1 J6A to J10 Widening 289 
			 M1 J10 to J1 3 Widening 601 
			 A19/A1067 Seaton Burn 29 
			 A19/A184 Testos Roundabout 21 
			 A5 - M1 Link (Dunstable Northern Bypass) 124 
			 A421 Bedford to M1 Junction 13 171 
			 A21 Tonbridge to Pembury 65 
			 M40 Junction 15 (Longbridge Roundabout) 71 
			 A590 High and Low Newton Bypass 35 
			 M20 Junction 10a 46 
			 A27 Southerham-Beddingham Improvement 32 
			 M1 J21 to J30 Widening (ECI) Contract 1 (1)1915 
			 M1 J21 to J30 Widening (ECI) Contract 2 (1) 
			 M25 J1b to J3 Widening ECI 66 
			 M25 J5 to J6/7 Widening DBFO 214 
			 M25 J16 to J23 Widening DBFO 697 
			 M25 J23 to J27 Widening DBFO 419 
			 M25 J27 to J30 Widening DBFO 583 
			 A21 Kippings Cross to Lamberhurst Bypass 68 
			 A23 Handcross to Warhinglid 41 
			 A453 Widening (M1 J24 to A52 Nottingham) 90 
			 M25 J28/A12 Brook Street Interchange ECI 12 
			 M27 J11 to J1 2 Climbing Lanes 27 
			 M27 J3 To J4 Widening 52 
			 M1 J30 to 31 Widening 135 
			 M1 J32 to J34S P4L 139 
			 M1 J34 to J37 P4L 246 
			 M1 J37 to J39 P4L 224 
			 M1 J39 to J42 Widening 202 
			 M1 J31 to J32 Northbound C/D 29 
			 M62 J25 to J27 P4L 215 
			 M62 J27 to J28 ATM (Hard Shoulder running) 83 
			 Totals 10126

Roads: Lighting

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance her Department has given to local authorities on the safety implications of switching streetlights off early to reduce carbon emissions.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 26 February 2008
	The Department for Transport endorses Invest to Save, which is published by the UK Lighting Board in conjunction with the Institution of Lighting Engineers. This provides guidance to local authorities considering adopting energy saving measures such as dimming or switching off lights. The document can be found at Institution of Lighting Engineers website:
	www.ile.org.uk

Roads: Lighting

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which local authorities in England  (a) have undertaken and  (b) are planning to undertake trials of part-night street lighting.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 29 February 2008
	This information is not held centrally.

Roads: Repairs and Maintenance

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road works on the strategic road network took place in  (a) the last 10 years and  (b) 2007; under what mechanism and how frequently road markings are reviewed; how many road markings were (i) made and (ii) altered after accidents occurred in the vicinity in the last 12 months; and what the average length of time taken to remark a road after an initial decision to do so had been made was in the last 12 months.

Tom Harris: The following table shows the number of road works on the strategic road network undertaken and recorded in the years for which data are available. The increase year-by-year is not an indication of an increased number of road works but reflects improved record keeping.
	Road markings are reviewed as part of an inspection programme carried out in line with TD 26/04 Inspection and Maintenance of Road Markings and Road Studs on Motorways and All purpose Trunk Roads. Inspections take place either every 7 or 28 days, depending on the inspection category of the route. The number of road markings renewed following accidents is not immediately available and the time taken between identifying a need to renew road markings and carrying out the work will depend on the category of the defect.
	
		
			   2005  2006  2007 
			 Major Schemes 232 871 438 
			 Smaller Schemes and Renewals 2,654 2,535 2,710 
			 Routine Works 4,138 6,721 9,672 
			 Technology Works 7 20 1,506 
			 All urgent works 732 1,390 2,454 
			 Others 1,665 3,810 1,534 
			 Total 11,433 17,353 20,321

Rolling Stock: East Coast Railway Line

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what process is being followed to determine the specifications for the new rolling stock planned for deployment on the east coast mainline; and if she will make a statement.

Tom Harris: The next major new rolling stock deployment on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) will be the Intercity Express Programme (IEP). The specification for IEP was set out in the Department for Transport's Invitation to Tender, published in November. This is to achieve maximum benefits for passenger and value for money for taxpayers. It incorporates 'best-in-class' features of modern trains plus targets for improving these.
	The Thameslink Programme will also see the introduction of a new fleet of suburban vehicles, operating to commuter destinations on the East Coast Main Line. The Department will be initiating the procurement process later this year.

Shipping: Paint

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate she has made of the number of UK registered vessels with tributyltin paint in each year since 1997; and what information her Department holds on the number of vessels with such paint with a foreign country of origin using UK waters.

Jim Fitzpatrick: The Government do not maintain estimates of numbers of vessels, UK registered or otherwise, operating with tributyltin paints.

Taxis: Crime

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many multi-agency taxi and minicabs 'STOP' operations have been organised in  (a) London and  (b) Cheshire in 2007-08; how many drivers have been found to be owing outstanding fines; how much has been collected in fines; how many STOP notices have been issued; and for what types of vehicle.

Rosie Winterton: Responsibility for enforcement of taxi and PHV legislation is a matter for the relevant licensing authority; other agencies have their own responsibilities for other enforcement activity which might be included in a multi-agency approach. While recognising that effective enforcement is important, we do not keep a central record of enforcement activity dedicated to taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV, that is, minicab) drivers.

Transport: Carbon Emissions

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2008,  Official Report, column 792W, on transport: carbon emissions, if she will estimate the percentage of carbon dioxide emission reductions by 2020 likely to come from  (a) policy measures and  (b) technological developments independent of Government policy.

Jim Fitzpatrick: It is not possible to separate the impacts of policy measures from technological developments that have occurred independently of Government policy. This is because many policy measures to reduce CO2 (for example, graduated VED or standards for new car CO2) will affect both the production and consumption of fuels and vehicles, and these processes interact.
	However, in our modelling of the impacts of policies to improve new car fuel efficiency (including the EU voluntary agreements, graduated vehicle excise duty, company car tax, vehicle labelling) we assume that there would have been no improvements in new car fuel efficiency in the absence of these policy measures. This is because analysis of historic trends suggests that any 'natural' improvement in fuel efficiency would have been balanced by worsening fuel efficiency from a trend towards heavier vehicles.

Transport: Finance

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much funding the local transport authority in  (a) Suffolk,  (b) Bedfordshire,  (c) Cambridgeshire,  (d) Essex,  (e) Hertfordshire and  (f) Norfolk received (i) in total, (ii) per mile of road and (iii) per head of population in each year since 1997.

Rosie Winterton: My hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron), the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, provided this information up to and including 2006-07 in her reply of 22 March 2007,  Official Report, columns 1048-50W. Table 1 contains the equivalent figures for 2007-08. The final amount of some funding is dependent on how much is actually claimed and the figures include the current estimate of what will be claimed for the rest of 2007-08.
	Table 1 also includes final figures for 2006-07 for Cambridgeshire, which have been revised from the previous answer in the light of further information, in particular in respect of their Guided Bus Scheme.
	Total local transport funding, as included in table 1, comprises:
	capital for the delivery of local transport plans, including for major local authority schemes, (which can vary substantially from year to year and between authorities);
	specific grants to local authorities for bus services;
	the specific road safety grant (which started in 2007-08);
	the Community Infrastructure Fund; and
	the Transport Innovation Fund
	
		
			  Table 1 
			  Local authority  2007-08 funding (000)  2007-08 funding (/mile)  2007-08 funding (/head) 
			 Suffolk County Council 25,839 6.09 37.79 
			 Bedfordshire County 19,553 11.49 33.93 
			 Cambridgeshire County Council 62,214 21.53 107.49 
			 Essex County Council 51,112 10.10 38.42 
			 Hertfordshire County Council 27,038 8.93 25.97 
			 Norfolk County Council 37,490 6.01 45.92 
			 
			 2006-07: Cambridgeshire 43,467 15.04 75.10

Transport: Finance

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the budget was for transport for the South West in 2006-07; and who is responsible for the timescale within which these funds were spent.

Rosie Winterton: holding answer 29 February 2008
	In addition to investment on the strategic road network and support for passenger rail services through franchise contracts and grants to Network Rail for operating the network, the South West benefits from transport funding allocated at the regional and local level.
	At the regional level, an indicative 86 million in respect of transport was included in the South West Regional Funding Allocation for 2006-07.
	Local authorities, and the Highways Agency in the case of trunk road schemes, are responsible for developing and delivering major schemes. The exact timing of implementation and funding of each scheme is subject to advice from the region on prioritisation, to satisfactory appraisal, and to securing all necessary statutory powers and Government approvals.
	At the local level, 173.7 million of capital funding was allocated in 2006-07 to upper and single tier local authorities in the South West for integrated transport improvements and highways capital maintenance. In addition revenue funding is allocated to local authorities through the revenue support grant system, and there are a few specific grants supporting transport services, for example Rural Bus Grant. In general, the funding provided is not ring-fenced, and local authorities are responsible for decisions on its use including the timing of this investment funding.

Transport: Lancashire

Geraldine Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much Government funding has been provided to Lancashire county council in 2007-08 to provide rural public transport.

Rosie Winterton: Most Government funding support for Lancashire county council for transport, including tendered bus services, is provided within the revenue support grant, administered by CLG. The revenue support grant is not service-specific and it is for the county council to decide on its use.
	In addition the Department provided specific grants for Lancashire county council in 2007-08 for:
	
		
			
			 (a) rural bus subsidy 1,349,677 
			 (b) rural bus challenge 156,778 
			 (c) 'Kickstart' (for bus services) 162,610 
		
	
	It has also allocated Lancashire capital funding of 11.961 million for 2007-08 for integrated transport projects. It is for the county council to decide how to invest this funding according to its policies and priorities.

Vehicle Number Plates: Revenue

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was raised in each year since 1997 by the sale of vehicle number plates; what plate raised the largest sum in each year; and how much was raised from that plate.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Revenue raised by the sale of vehicle number plates for each financial year since 1997 is as follows:
	
		
			   000 
			 1997-98 36,242 
			 1998-99 47,089 
			 1999-2000 48,008 
			 2000-01 56,671 
			 2001-02 65,921 
			 2002-03 74,936 
			 2003-04 78,427 
			 2004-05 83,438 
			 2005-06 83,986 
			 2006-07 87,427 
		
	
	We do not hold information on the plate that raised the most revenue for each year.

BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM

Coal Fired Power Stations

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 
	(1)  what representations he has received from environmental non-governmental organisations on investigations to determine the nature and extent of existing land or waterway contamination prior to the  (a) construction and  (b) operational phases of the proposed coal power station development at Kingsnorth in Medway;
	(2)  what representations he has received from industry groups on loading and unloading facilities for construction vehicles during the construction phase of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent;
	(3)  what representations he has received from local  (a) stakeholders and  (b) residents on schemes for the transportation of construction staff to and from the site during the construction phase of the proposed new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent;
	(4)  what representations he has received from industry groups on the creation of an environmental mitigation area during the  (a) construction and  (b) operational phases of the proposed new coal power station development at Kingsnorth in Medway;
	(5)  what representations he has received from environmental non-governmental organisations on loading and unloading facilities for construction vehicles during the construction phase of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent;
	(6)  what representations he has received from environmental non-governmental organisations on site access during the construction phase of the proposed new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(7)  what representations he has received from trades unions on turning facilities for large vehicles and the effect these facilities will have on local transport during the construction phase of any new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(8)  what representations he has received from  (a) industry groups and  (b) environmental non-governmental organisations on schemes for the implementation of an on-site programme of archaeological work in accordance with recommended mitigation measures and strategies during the construction and operational phases of the proposed coal power station development at Kingsnorth;
	(9)  what representations he has received from  (a) local stakeholders and  (b) environmental non-governmental organisations on the financial contribution of 140,500 from E.On for safety improvements on Roper's Lane and Stoke Road in relation to the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Medway;
	(10)  what representations he has received from industry groups on identifying measures for the reduction of motor vehicle traffic generation during the construction phase of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(11)  what representations he has received from trades unions on vehicular circulation roads during the construction phase of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(12)  what representations he has received from local  (a) stakeholders and  (b) residents on the provision of hard standings during the construction phase of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(13)  what representations he has received from archaeological non-governmental organisations on schemes for the implementation of an on-site programme of archaeological work in accordance with the recommended mitigation measures and strategies during the  (a) construction and  (b) operational phases of (i) the proposed coal-fired power station development at Kingsnorth and (ii) other new coal-fired power station development in the UK;
	(14)  what representations he has received from non-governmental environmental organisations on the effective transmission range of heat captured through combined heat and power technology at the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(15)  what representations he has had from the shipping and ports industries on the effect of coal shipments to the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth on ship freight traffic to the container depot at Thamesport;
	(16)  what representations he has had from natural gas distribution companies on the effects on foreign natural gas imports of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(17)  what representations he has received from environmental non-governmental organisations on the effects of groundwater contamination from the fuel oil supply for the two 50MW gas turbines at the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent;
	(18)  what representations he has received from environmental non-governmental organisations on provision for on-site overspill parking during the construction phase of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth in Kent;
	(19)  what representations he has had from local stakeholders and residents on provision for overspill parking on site during the construction phase of any potential new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(20)  what representations he has had from local stakeholders and residents on the layout and size of the parking area of any new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(21)  what representations he has had from environmental non-governmental organisations on vehicular circulation roads during the construction phase of any new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(22)  what representations he has received from trades unions on identifying measures for the minimisation of motor vehicle traffic generation during the construction phase of any new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(23)  what representations he has received from industries associated with pulverised fuel ash on the production of fuel ash resulting from the proposed new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(24)  what representations he has had from industry groups on the build-up of ammonium sulphates and bisulphates in the selective catalytic reduction process at the proposed new coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(25)  what representations he has received from industry groups on provision for overspill parking during the construction phase of the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(26)  what representations he has received from industry groups on the  (a) use and  (b) merits of combined heat and power technology at the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth;
	(27)  what representations he has received from environmental non-governmental organisations on the risks of ammonia slippage from the selective catalytic reduction process at the proposed coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth.

Malcolm Wicks: The Department has received no such representations.

Coal Fired Power Stations

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 
	(1)  what representations he has received from Kent University on the proposed power station at Kingsnorth in Kent;
	(2)  what representations he has received on the construction of  (a) parking sites and  (b) hard standings on and off-site for the (i) construction and (ii) operational phase of the proposed power station at Kingsnorth in Kent, broken down by category of organisation; and if he will make a statement;
	(3)  what representations he has received from  (a) local housing developers and estate agents and  (b) other groups on the effect on regeneration projects and housing developments, including the Maritime Residential Park on the Medway, of the construction of the proposed power station at Kingsnorth in Kent.;

Malcolm Wicks: The Department has received no such representations.

Coal Fired Power Stations

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what discussions he has had with  (a) Cabinet colleagues and  (b) non-governmental bodies on the public safety issues associated with permanently sequestering carbon dioxide, with particular reference to the proposed power station at Kingsnorth in Kent.

Malcolm Wicks: No such discussions have taken place.

Departmental Opinion Polls

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform pursuant to the answer of 12 December 2007,  Official Report, column 626W, on departmental opinion polls, what payments his Department has made to polling organisations since 27 June 2007.

Gareth Thomas: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Fireworks: Noise

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of the effect of category 3 noise fireworks on animal welfare; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: No formal assessment has been made.

Investment: North West

Helen Southworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what support his Department has made available to attract inward investment to  (a) Warrington and  (b) the North West in the last three years.

Gareth Thomas: Through the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) has provided support to attract inward investment through a number of initiatives.
	The main gateway for Business Support in  (a) Warrington and  (b) the North West, is via Business Link, a NWDA funded project. Business Link provides a range of support services to businesses including advice on Starting Up; Finance and Grants; Taxes, returns and payroll; Employing people; Health, Safety, property; Environment and Efficiency; Exploiting ideas; IT and E-Commerce; Sales and Marketing; International Trade; Growing your business; Buying or selling a business.
	The NWDA provides focused business support to key companies that compliment the Business Link service, as well as administering the Selective Finance for Investment (SFI) grant scheme on behalf of BERR. SFI aims to support companies that want to invest/create jobs. The level of grant that can be provided is determined on a company's location.
	There is also a range of sector specialists that proactively manage key companies across the region. This business support is aimed at companies to grow and develop their businesses with a view to attracting further investment.

Measurement

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what his policy is on the use of imperial weights and measures; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: I have been asked to reply.
	Since 1965 it has been the policy of successive UK Governments to adopt metric weights and measures by stages in recognition that the global trend towards metrication would be likely to place UK business at a competitive disadvantage in world markets where transactions are conducted primarily in metric units. Metric units of measurement are now used for most transactions regulated by the Weights and Measures Act 1985. There are clear advantages in having a single system of units of measurement in place to allow consumers to compare quantities and prices, but we also recognise that a proportion of the public still prefers or is more familiar with imperial units, and so imperial units may continue to be used alongside metric in dual labelling.

Measurement

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what recent representations he has received on  (a) EU directives and  (b) domestic legislation on imperial measures and imperial measuring equipment; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: I have been asked to reply
	;
	The Department has received a number of representations from companies, trade associations, other organisations and individuals over the last year representing a range of viewpoints on the issue of units of measurement.

Overseas Trade: Consultants

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what role his Department's recently appointed emerging markets consultants will perform; and what size firms they will advise.

Gareth Thomas: The consultants (HGMP specialists) have been appointed on UKTI's behalf to deliver influence on a broader range of business activity in high growth markets. Targeted companies are experienced UK based mid corporate exporters, or established companies with the potential for success in these markets. In the process of assistance specialists will also capture intelligence on barriers to trade and the reasons for mid-corporate inaction in high growth markets.

Reconstruction: Iraq

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what estimate he has made of the percentage of contracts awarded to non-Iraqi companies for reconstruction in Iraq which have been awarded to UK companies since 2003.

Gareth Thomas: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I provided to the hon. Member for Dunfermline and West Fife (Willie Rennie) on 25 February 2008,  Official Report, column 1171W.

Super-complainer Procedures

Angus MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on how many occasions each of the designated representative bodies under the Enterprise Act 2002 has declined to act upon a consumer request to invoke super-complainer powers in cases of alleged consumer detriment.

Gareth Thomas: This is a matter for the individual designated super-complainants.

Telephone Services

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform which public bodies for which his Department is responsible use non-geographical telephone numbers for lines intended for use by members of the public.

Gareth Thomas: From the central records that are available the public bodies for which the department is responsible using non-geographical telephone numbers for public access are as follows:
	ACAS
	The Insolvency Service
	Companies House
	BERR Publications Orderline
	Personal Training Services Consortium
	Low Pay Commission
	Employment Agency Standards
	The Queens Award Office
	Envirowise
	Business Link

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Arson: Cambridgeshire

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she is taking to reduce the incidence of arson in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 3 March 2008
	The Department awarded Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service 89,043 as part of the Fire Prevention Grant (2006-08). It is for the Fire and Rescue Service, working in partnership with other agencies, to decide how the grant is allocated to reduce the incidence of arson in the local area.

Community Relations

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when her Department plans to convene a panel of experts to consider recommendation 25 in Our Shared Future, on guidelines for local authorities on awarding public sector contracts to faith-based bodies; how many people will sit on the panel; and who will be invited to sit on it.

Parmjit Dhanda: No date has been set to convene a panel of experts nor has any terms of reference or panel been decided.

Community Relations: Religion

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions have taken place with secular organisations on her Department's consultation, Face to Face and Side by Side: A framework for inter faith dialogue and social action; and if she will undertake a similar consultation on a secular dialogue on social action.

Parmjit Dhanda: Discussions have taken place with a wide range of organisations, including the British Humanist Association and the National Secular Society. The formal consultation process is open to all organisations. In accordance with standard criteria for Government consultations, a list of all organisations responding to the consultation will be made public. There are no plans to undertake a consultation specifically on secular dialogue and social action.

Departmental Internet

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many Wikipedia entries have been  (a) created and  (b) amended (i) by (A) special advisers, (B) Ministers and (C) communications officials and (ii) from IP addresses of (1) special advisers, (2) Ministers and (3) communications officials in (x) her Department and (y) its predecessor since August 2005.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information requested is not held centrally within the Department and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Marketing

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2008,  Official Report, column 1525W, on departmental marketing, what the size is of each of the display boards in the Department's two main central London buildings.

Parmjit Dhanda: There is a single display board in Eland House with the following dimensions: 1615 mm x 717 mm. There is a single ministerial display board in Ashdown House with the following dimensions: 900 mm x 610 mm. These are currently being updated to reflect the recent ministerial changes.

Departmental Offices

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether her Department has office facilities outside the United Kingdom.

Parmjit Dhanda: Communities and Local Government has no office facilities outside the United Kingdom

Departmental Recruitment

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the policy of British jobs for British workers will affect her Department's recruitment policy.

Parmjit Dhanda: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 3 March 2008,  Official Report, columns 2206-07W, by my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich, East (Mr. Watson).

Departmental Sick Pay

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the cost of sickness pay to staff in her Department was in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department monitors the sickness absence of its staff through analysis of working days lost rather than the actual cost for each individual absence. Consequently, it is not possible to give an exact cost of sickness pay in the most recent year.

Departmental Waste Disposal

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how frequently the residual waste bins of her Department's buildings in Eland House are emptied.

Parmjit Dhanda: Communities and Local Government's waste bins at Eland House are collected and emptied with the following frequencies:
	
		
			  Waste type  Number of collections per week 
			 General waste 2 
			 Paper 3 
			 Cardboard 3 
			 Glass 1 
			 Cans 1 
			 Plastics 1 
			 Food waste 1

Disabled People: Equality

Roger Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what conclusions her Department has reached in fulfilment of the duty under section 3.111 of the statutory code of practice of the disability equality duty.

Parmjit Dhanda: The actions taken by the Department to fulfil its disability equality duty are described in the Disability Equality Scheme Annual Report which we published on 28 February 2008. This is available on our website at:
	www.communities.gov.uk/publications/corporate/disability equalityscheme2008

Departmental Divisions

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what divisions there are in her Department.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department of Communities and Local Government has six Groups each led by a Director General. The Groups are Housing and Planning, Cohesion and Resilience, Local Government and Regeneration, Regions and Communities, Finance and Corporate Services and HR and Transformational Change.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many  (a) full-time and  (b) retained fire stations have been closed in Dorset since 1997.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 3 March 2008
	The information requested is not held centrally.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service: Olympic Games 2012

Tobias Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what responsibility Dorset Fire and Rescue Service is planned to have in relation to aquatic events hosted at Weymouth as part of the 2012 Olympic Games; and how many marine craft Dorset Fire and Rescue Service has.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 3 March 2008
	Dorset fire and rescue authority participates in two groups responsible for co-ordinating security at the Olympic events in Weymouth. These are: the Dorset Strategic Partnership, the overarching body that is co-ordinating wider games planning within Dorset; and the Dorset Emergency Services Strategic Group chaired by Dorset police.
	The authority does not own any marine craft. Responsibility for search and rescue at sea lies with HM Coastguard. The degree of support afforded to HM Coastguard by costal fire and rescue authorities is a matter for local risk assessment by the individual authorities.

Empty Property

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many public requests ordering disposal were received in  (a) 2006 and  (b) 2007; and how many of these requests resulted in a direction being issued.

Parmjit Dhanda: Under section 98 of the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 the following public requests to order disposal were received:
	
		
			   Number 
			 2006 12 
			 2007 12 
		
	
	One direction was issued in 2007.

Fire Services

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she next intends to publish an updated version of the full business case in respect of the Fire Control Project; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: We are planning to publish an updated full business case in the summer of 2008 and we will ensure that a copy is placed in the Library of the House.

Fire Services: Buildings

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to her Answer of 25 February 2008,  Official Report, column 1220W, on Fire Service's buildings, what  (a) primary and  (b) other considerations were taken into account in determining the size of regional control centres.

Parmjit Dhanda: The following factors were taken into account in determining the size of Regional Control Centres.
	Each Regional Control Centre is part of a resilient network. It has been designed to deal with both its own workload, whilst also providing extra capacity to take on the work of other Regional Control Centres should they, for whatever reason, become overloaded or unavailable. Each building will contain a large control room, operations room, emergency planning room, and space to accommodate other staff or agencies as required for large scale incidents.
	Each facility is designed to be self-supporting for seven days, and has been designed to incorporate uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators and fuel storage, with the ability to replenish fuel supplies from outside the secure area. Each also has significant water and effluent storage capacity.
	Regional Control Centres will provide space for training new personnel, meeting rooms and provide adequate staff facilities, such as, canteen and locker rooms. Each building will also contain space for building services machinery and the main IT equipment room.
	The Regional Control Centres have also been designed so there is capacity in the network to accommodate future growth in demand for call handling.

Food: Standards

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to ensure that local authorities act upon guidance offered by the Food Standards Agency in respect of  (a) food provision for older people and  (b) food served to adults in institutions in the provision of (i) meals on wheels, (ii) luncheon clubs, (iii) sheltered accommodation, (iv) staff catering and (v) other civic catering services.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Department for Communities and Local Government has no responsibility for ensuring local authorities act upon guidance offered by the Food Standards Agency.

Government Offices for the Regions: Finance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to her Answer of 21 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 904W, on Government Offices for the Regions: Finance, what estimate she has made of the cost to her Department of managing centrally each Government Office's estates budget.

Parmjit Dhanda: The total central cost of managing the GO estate is estimated at 1.2 million, which covers the annual pay costs of the property asset management team.
	The Government offices are funded by contributions from 10 sponsor Departments and the above costs are therefore not solely provided by CLG. The proportion of total spending provided by CLG is c.40 per cent. of the total, thus the CLG contribution to the cost of managing the network estates budget is 480,000.

Department Offices: Central London

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many of her Department's staff are based in her Department's central London offices.

Parmjit Dhanda: On 31 January 2008 66 per cent. of the staff in Communities and Local Government were based in central London offices. This figure includes Communities staff who work in the Government Office network. Information for our Executive Agencies is not held centrally.

Department Offices: Central London

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the running costs for her Department's central London offices were in 2007-08; and what they are budgeted to be in each of the next four years.

Parmjit Dhanda: The running costs for Communities and Local Government's central London offices in 2007-08 are forecast to be 47,520,156. At present the planned expenditure for 2008-09 is 41,836,460, however this is under active review since we are looking at options for further rationalisation of our estate. In addition we have a rent review pending which will impact the operating costs in later years.
	The figures given represent gross expenditure and do not reflect receipts from other building occupants.
	The answer does not include IT and telephony costs or costs for the Government Office for London.

Hospices: Children

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding each local authority has made to children's hospices in each of the last five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information requested is not held centrally.

Housing: Disabled People

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  how much was spent by Castle Point Borough Council on improving homes for disabled people in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  how many home improvement grants for disabled people were  (a) applied for and  (b) awarded in Castle Point constituency in each of the last three years.

Iain Wright: Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a mandatory grant used to provide adaptations to the homes of disabled people. Local authorities in England report their annual Disabled Facilities Grant expenditure and the number of recipients of Disabled Facilities Grant through the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix. The 2006-07 Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix report will be published shortly. The 2003-04 to 2005-06 expenditure is provided in the following table. Communities and Local Government provide 60 per cent. of the value of the Disabled Facilities Grant to local authorities. Local authorities fund the remaining 40 per cent. from other sources. In addition to Disabled Facilities Grant local authorities may improve the homes of disabled people with other funding streams not reported as part of the Housing Strategy Statistical Appendix. Communities and Local Government do not hold this information or information on how many people have applied for home improvement grants. The following table sets out Disabled Facilities Grant expenditure for Castle Point borough council:
	
		
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			 Total expenditure () 243,000 214,000 319,000 
			 CLG contribution () 145,000 90,000 116,000 
			 Number receiving DFG 36 31 55

Housing: Thames Gateway

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate she has made of the likely number of residential properties to be built on the tidal or fluvial floodplain in the Thames Gateway area over the next eight years; and if she will make a statement.

Caroline Flint: Because much of the new housing expected in the Thames Gateway has yet to be planned, it is not possible to determine accurately the amount that will be built within the floodplain. However, only some 35 per cent. of the entire Thames Gateway area itself is at risk from tidal or fluvial flooding.
	Under PPS25Development and Flood Riskall local planning authorities (LPAs) are required to notify the Environment Agency when they become aware of an application for house building in the functional floodplain. The LPA will then make a judgment as to the acceptability of the risk, and also of the likely effect of the development on floodwater run-off rates. Flood-risk mitigation measures (such as land-raising, improvements to flood defences or porous paving) can then be devised and, if these will render the risk acceptable, make these a condition of planning consent.
	The tidal flood defences in the Thames Gateway are of among the highest standards anywhere in the UK (exceeding a 1 in 2000 year event standard in the development areas) and, through its Thames estuary 2100 project, the Environment Agency is devising a detailed programme for maintaining those standards into the future.

Local Authorities: Publications

Bob Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what estimate  (a) her Department and  (b) the Lifting the Burdens Task Force has made of the cost to local authorities of publishing statutory notices.

John Healey: The 2006 Cabinet Office report 'Informing the Public in the multimedia age' approximated that the annual cost of publishing statutory notices could be up to 30 million.
	The Lifting the Burdens Task Force have not made any estimate of the cost of publishing statutory notices.

Local Government Ombudsman: Complaints

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many complaints were  (a) received,  (b) investigated and  (c) upheld by the Local Government Ombudsman for England in each of the last 10 years, broken down by the council or agency for which the complaint was filed.

Parmjit Dhanda: This information has been placed in the Library of the House.

Local Government: Occupational Pensions

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she plans to make a decision on extending protection of the Rule of 85 for the Local Government Pension Scheme; and if she will make a statement.

John Healey: My statement to the House on 13 December 2007,  Official Report, column 49WS, announced that the Local Government Pension Scheme Policy Review Group, with the assistance of the Government Actuary's Department, had been asked to undertake a fresh costings exercise of extending the current levels of protection in the scheme, following the removal of the Rule of 85, using 2007 actuarial valuation data. An announcement will be made as soon as the current work is completed.
	As Ministers have consistently made clear, to maintain the scheme's viability and to meet the Government's policy of ensuring no adverse effects on taxpayers, the costs of any amendments to improve the level of protections would need to be provided from within the scheme, and be affordable and legal.

Drinking Water

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many litres of bottled water were purchased by her Department and its predecessor in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: Communities and Local Government purchased the following quantities of bottled water in each of the last three years.
	
		
			   Central Department  Executive agencies 
			 2005 12,735 12,408 
			 2006 12,735 13,378 
			 2007 14,150 17,724 
			  Note: Figures for 2005 and 2006 are approximate.

Minister for London: Domestic Visits

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what visits the Minister for London has made to each constituency in London since appointment.

Parmjit Dhanda: The Minister for the Olympics and London, in her capacity as Minister for London, has visited or attended meetings in the following constituencies since June 2007.
	Cities of London and Westminster
	Hammersmith and Fulham
	Hendon
	Hornsey and Wood Green
	North Southwark and Bermondsey
	West Ham

National Community Forum: Finance

Paul Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what funding her Department provided to the National Community Forum in each of the last three years; what funding it plans to provide in each of the next three years; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: The funding allocated to the National Community Forum (NCF) in each of the last three financial years is laid out in the following table:
	
		
			  Financial year  Funding allocated () 
			 2005-06 200,000 
			 2006-07 200,000 
			 2007-08 200,000 
		
	
	Decisions on future funding have not yet been made.

Regional Ministers: Finance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to her Answer of 25 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1228-29W, what  (a) non-cash allocations and  (b) funds for a voluntary early release scheme Government Offices for the Regions have received in financial year 2007-08; and what the purpose of such funding was in each instance.

Parmjit Dhanda: The total non-cash allocation received by the Government offices is 3.2 million. This is principally to cover the cost of dilapidation provisions, depreciation and cost of capital incurred by the Government office network. It also however includes the non-cash funding of the release schemeswhich is a net allocation of 702,000.
	The Government offices have received 5 million from sponsor Departments for the 2007 release scheme, which includes the 702,000 non-cash referred to in  (a) above. This pays for the in-year costs of the staff who have volunteered to take early release from the Government offices as well as setting up a provision for the future costs of those staff who will receive payments in future years.

Regional Ministers: Finance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the Answer of 25 February 2008,  Official Report, column 1229W, on regional Ministers: finance, which programme budgets are administered by the Government Offices for the Regions, broken down by sponsoring Department.

Parmjit Dhanda: The information from 2006-07, which is the most recent year the data were collected, is as follows:
	
		
			  Sponsor Department  Programme funding () 
			 Department for Transport 2,389,000,000 
			 Communities and Local Government 2,180,046,041 
			 Department for Works and Pensions 1,150,845,613 
			 Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform 947,214,000 
			 Department for Education and Skills 811,379,686 
			 Home Office 233,313,878 
			 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 16,155,346 
			 Total 7,727,954,564

Regional Planning and Development

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what representations each regional Minister has received on  (a) regional spatial strategies and  (b) other Government policies relating to the regions for which they have responsibility; what steps each regional Minister has taken as a result of those representations; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: Regional Ministers exercise no decision making powers in relation to the revision of Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS). While they may receive representations on them when, for example, the Secretary of State publishes their Proposed Changes for consultation, Regional Ministers would re-direct these to the relevant Government Office dealing with the specific RSS on behalf of the Secretary of State.
	Regional Ministers receive representations on a variety of policies affecting the region from a range of stakeholders. Generally they refer representations received to the Government Office on behalf of the relevant Secretary of State, or directly to the relevant Department of State. Details of these representations could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Television Screens

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many plasma television screens have been purchased by her Department and its agencies, and at what cost, in the last 24 months.

Parmjit Dhanda: Communities and Local Government purchased two 63 in plasma screen TVs in December 2006 for AV provision in conference rooms at a total cost of 16,167.34. In relation to CLG agencies, the Fire Service College purchased one 42 in plasma screen TV in January 2008 for AV provision in the video suite costing 800.00.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Afghanistan: Police

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of EU work to train Afghan police; what arrangements there are to co-ordinate the work of the EU and  (a) individual EU member states and  (b) the US on such training; what the (i) short, (ii) medium and (iii) long-term objectives of the EU's work are; and what the (A) criteria and (B) timescale are for ending the work in the future.

Kim Howells: EU support for training the Afghan police is co-ordinated through the EU Police Mission to Afghanistan (EUPOL). EUPOL brings together contributions from EU member states, various non-EU states, and the EU Secretariat and Commission. The aim of this co-ordinated support is to establish an effective and self-sustaining civilian police force in Afghanistan. As EUPOL works to reach full strength, progress has been made on planning its programme and in developing an international consensus on a policing strategy for Afghanistan.
	EUPOL co-ordinates its work with the Combined Security and Transition CommandAfghanistan, which is responsible for delivering the US programme of police training, through the International Police Co-ordination Board.
	The objectives of the EUPOL mission are set out in its Concept of Operations (CONOPS), dated 30 October 2007:
	To assist the Afghan police in training, institutional reform and capacity building; to support the institutional development of the Ministry of the Interior; to work towards a joint overall strategy for the international community in police reform in Afghanistan; and to improve cohesion and co-ordination amongst international actors in the area of police training in Afghanistan.
	Detailed milestones are contained in the mission's internal action plan.
	The head of the EUPOL mission reports formally every six months to the EU Political and Security Committee on the mission's progress.
	The CONOPS states that EUPOL's mission will conclude:
	When there is sufficient local capacity in the Afghan police to continue self-sustaining progress towards building and maintaining a civilian police service that is both transparent and accountable, operating within a sound legal framework in accordance with international standards and the rule of law and which is trusted by Afghan citizens and is responsive to the needs of society.
	The EUPOL mission has a mandate until June 2010.

British Council

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role his Department plays in  (a) scrutinising and  (b) approving the activities of the British Council.

Jim Murphy: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is accountable to Parliament for the activities and the performance of the British Council. As such, he approves the British Council's strategic objectives and agrees the amount of grant-in-aid the British Council receives.
	The Permanent Under-Secretary (PUS) of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), as the principal accounting officer, is accountable to Parliament for the British Council's grant-in-aid. The PUS designates the chief executive of the British Council as the British Council's accounting officer.
	The British Council Board and the FCO determine the British Council's performance framework in the light of the FCO's wider strategic aims. In carrying out its objectives the British Council sets its own professional standards and devises its own programmes.

British Overseas Territories: Remembrance Day

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking on the representation of UK overseas territories at the wreath laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday 2008.

Meg Munn: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 19 February 2008,  Official Report, column 148. I will however meet my hon. Friend to discuss his proposal.

Caribbean

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State's responsibilities are regarding the Caribbean and Central America; when he last visited  (a) the Caribbean and  (b) Central America; what the purpose was of each visit; and what plans there are for such visits in the future.

Meg Munn: I am responsible for promoting and protecting British interests in the Caribbean and Central America through our network of overseas posts and through our interaction with stakeholders.
	My last two visits covered the Dominican Republic and the Cayman Islands in December 2007; and Panama, Jamaica and Mexico in September 2007. The purpose of the visits was to meet my counterparts in the region (including members of Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly in the Cayman Islands) and to discuss issues of mutual concern.
	Foreign engagements, for Government Ministers, are kept under constant review. Because of the unpredictable nature of world events, final decisions on overseas visits are often not taken until shortly before travel. It is not our normal practice to announce visits until they are firm.

Departmental Impact Assessments

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many regulatory impact assessments his Department has conducted in the last 12 months.

Meg Munn: Information on the final regulatory impact assessments published between 1 January and 30 June 2007 can be found in Command Paper 7297, available at:
	http://bre.berr.gov.uk/regulation/ria/regulatory_reporting/index.asp.
	For the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, one regulatory impact assessment has been listed.
	Departments are in the process of identifying the final regulatory impact assessments published between 1 July and 31 December 2007.
	From April 2008, all final impact assessment will be published on a central website.

Departmental Travel

Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on travel  (a) within the UK and  (b) overseas for officials in the last year for which figures are available.

Meg Munn: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe gave to him on 27 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1700-01W.
	Departmental travel arrangements are made in the most efficient and cost effective way, and all official travel is undertaken in accordance with the rules set out in the 'Civil Service Management Code and the Ministerial Code.'

Diego Garcia: Rendition

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the recent discovery that facilities on Diego Garcia had been used for the rendition of two individuals was preceded by a specific request by the UK to the US authorities to review their records in this respect.

David Miliband: As set out in my statement to the House on 21 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 547-48, new information was passed to UK officials by the US regarding rendition flights through Diego Garcia on 15 February. This was not preceded by a specific UK request to the US authorities to review their records in this respect. However, it follows regular dialogue on these issues, including assurances provided by the US in September 2007 at annual political-military talks in relation to the US Naval Support Facility at Diego Garcia.

EC Defence Policy

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the EU's policy is on responding to a threat of an attack against Europe using missiles and weapons of mass destruction.

Kim Howells: We consider the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation the forum to develop a collective defence policy on how to respond to the threat of attack against Europe using missiles and weapons of mass destruction. The EU Lisbon Treaty states
	commitments and co-operation in this area (European defence) shall be consistent with commitments under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, which, for those states which are members of it, remains the foundation of their collective defence and the forum for its implementation.

European Union: Intelligence Services

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on whether the EU should  (a) establish a European intelligence agency and  (b) fund an EU intelligence-gathering capability.

David Miliband: The Government do not believe there is any need for a European intelligence agency. It is our belief that the interests of the UK are best served by the national intelligence agencies, sharing information on threats and capabilities on a bilateral or multilateral basis with our European partners as appropriate. British intelligence agencies are a major contributor to this process and continue to help build our partners' capabilities.

Immigration: Forced Marriage

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the guidance given to staff in UK overseas posts on handling immigration cases involving suspected forced marriage.

Meg Munn: It would not be appropriate to publish detailed guidance on handling immigration cases involving suspected forced marriage, as it would serve the agenda of those perpetrating forced marriage, not help the victims. However I will gladly send copies of the current guidance to the hon. Member in confidence.
	However, general guidance on Forced Marriage is treated in the Entry Clearance Guidance, which is accessible on the UKvisas website at:
	www.ukvisas.gov.uk
	Islamabad, which handles 75 per cent. of the recorded reluctant sponsor cases, has a dedicated 'Consular-Immigration Link' team to handle these cases, with their own internal guidelines.

Immigration: Forced Marriage

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many cases of suspected forced marriage were identified by British officials in each UK overseas post in immigration cases in each of the last five years.

Meg Munn: The Forced Marriage Unit has been treating immigration cases separately to general consular assistance cases since 2006. Since 2006 we have handled the following numbers of forced-marriage-related immigration cases:
	200692 cases (69 Pakistan, 12 India, 10 Bangladesh, 1 Sudan)
	200795 cases (63 Pakistan, 15 Bangladesh, 11 India, 1 United Arab Emirates, 1 Albania, 2 Yemen, 1 Jordan, 1 Turkey)
	200838 cases up to 29 February 2008 (36 Pakistan, 2 Bangladesh)
	It is not possible to access statistics for cases handled prior to 2005.

Immigration: Forced Marriage

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department takes to inform the Home Office when suspected cases of forced marriage in immigration cases are identified by British officials in overseas posts.

Meg Munn: The Forced Marriage Unit is the central contact point for overseas posts that identify immigration cases involving forced marriage. The Forced Marriage Unit is a joint Home Office-Foreign and Commonwealth Office unit and is staffed by officials from both departments.

Immigration: Forced Marriage

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people in immigration cases who had been identified by officials in UK overseas posts as taking part in activities surrounding potential forced marriage were reported to the authorities in the country concerned in each of the last five years.

Meg Munn: The vast majority of forced marriage cases, dealt with by our overseas posts involve the victim wanting to extract themselves from the situation without risking further repercussions, either in the UK or in the country of their marriage. We would not report forced marriage incidents that come to our attention to local authorities as a matter of course as this could often place the victim, and parties sympathetic to the victim, at greater risk.

Iraq: Asylum

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 18 February 2008,  Official Report, column 175W, on Iraq: asylum, how many former locally-engaged Iraqi staff  (a) have applied for (i) resettlement in the UK and (ii) independent leave to enter,  (b) have moved to third countries in order to register for resettlement and  (c) have been assessed as eligible but have not yet declared a preference.

David Miliband: We have received over 970 applications for assistance from Iraqi locally-engaged staff under the scheme I announced in written ministerial statements on 9 and 30 October 2007 respectively.
	Almost 400 of those have been assessed as eligible for assistance under the scheme. 447 applications have not met the eligibility criteria. Of those assessed as eligible, over 130 applicants have chosen resettlement in the UK under the Gateway programme and ten have chosen indefinite leave to enter.
	We have ten applicants who have already moved to third countries and would like resettlement in the UK under the Gateway programme.
	76 staff have been assessed as eligible under the scheme but have yet to declare a preference of which type of assistance they would like.

Kosovo: Organised Crime

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the recent EU rule of law mission in Kosovo on relations between the EU and the UN; and what work the mission will undertake to combat organised crime.

Jim Murphy: The EU's police and rule of law mission to Kosovo (EULEX) will work closely and in coordination with the UN and other relevant international actors to uphold the rule of law. EULEX will ensure that organised crime, corruption, inter-ethnic crimes, financial/economic crimes and other serious crimes are properly investigated, prosecuted, adjudicated and enforced, according to the applicable law.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the number of  (a) Qassam rocket,  (b) Katyusha rocket and  (c) mortar bomb attacks from Gaza into Israel in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006, (iii) 2007 and (iv) 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The UK condemns all rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and is concerned at the recent rise in rocket attacks over the last two days. On 28 February, I made the following statement in response to the barrage of rockets that hit south Israel:
	Palestinian militants must halt immediately the bombardment of southern Israel and should stop trying to undermine the peace process. We recognise Israel's right to protect itself and its citizens, but call on the government to exercise maximum restraint and do everything possible to avoid the deaths of civiliansespecially children.
	871 Qassam rockets landed in Israel from Gaza in 2007; 962 in 2006; and 296 in 2005. 1,511 mortar shells landed in Israel from Gaza in 2007; 55 in 2006; and 854 in 2005. In January 2008, 267 Qassam rockets and 256 mortar shells were fired into Israel from the Gaza strip. We are aware that several Katyusha rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israel, but we do not have an exact breakdown.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Palestinians on rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza into Israel.

Kim Howells: I issued statements on 27 and 28 February condemning unreservedly the barrage of rockets on southern Israel that left one man dead and several others injured that day. There can be no justification for the almost daily rocket and mortar attacks on Sderot and the surrounding area. The Government continue to call on all Palestinian factions to stop attacks, including rocket attacks, which target civilians and only escalate an already tense situation. At the same time, Israel must ensure its actions are in accordance with international law. It is important that all parties find a way to restore calm, stopping the reciprocal attacks, for the sake of the populations on both sides.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to the Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak conveying his deep concerns and condolences on 28 February.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 
	(1)  what reports he has received on the impact on  (a) commercial,  (b) social and  (c) educational life in Israeli towns of rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza;
	(2)  what reports he has received of the number of Israeli residents  (a) killed,  (b) injured and  (c) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza in each year since August 2005;
	(3)  what estimate he has made of the cost to Israel of physical damage to buildings and structures caused by rockets and mortars fired from Gaza in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement;
	(4)  what reports he has received of the impact on the economy of Israeli towns which have been subject to rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: Our embassy in Tel Aviv continues to report on the impact these rockets have on the day to day lives of Israelis living in southern Israel. The barrage of rockets reportedly has a huge psychological effect on the communities of Sderot, Ashkelon and other nearby Israeli areas. While we do not have any reports on the impact to the local economy, the rocket attacks have caused damage to infrastructure. Rocket fire has caused damage to homes, schools and offices resulting in large disruption to resident's lives. As a direct consequence of these rocket attacks, the local economy has suffered.
	Five Israelis have been killed by rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel since August 2005. Several hundred people have been injured. We do not have figures available on how many people have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of these rocket attacks.
	I issued a statement on 27 February condemning unreservedly the barrage of rockets on southern Israel that left one man dead and several others injured that day. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to Israeli Defence Secretary Ehud Barak on 28 February expressing his concerns and condolences about the situation in southern Israel and Gaza. There can be no justification for the almost daily rocket and mortar attacks on Sderot and the surrounding area. The Government continue to call on all Palestinian factions to stop attacks, including rocket attacks, that can only escalate an already tense situation. At the same time, Israel must ensure its actions are in accordance with international law. It is important that all parties find a way to restore calm for the sake of the populations on both sides.

Middle East: Armed Conflict

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he plans to provide to Israel to protect its citizens from rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza; and what recent discussions he has had with the Israeli Government on ways for it to protect its citizens from such attacks.

Kim Howells: I issued a statement on 27 February condemning unreservedly the barrage of rockets on southern Israel that left one man dead and several others injured that day. There can be no justification for the almost daily rocket and mortar attacks on Sderot and the surrounding area. The Government continue to call on all Palestinian factions to stop attacks, including rocket attacks, which target civilians and only escalate an already tense situation. At the same time, Israel must ensure its actions are in accordance with international law. It is important that all parties find a way to restore calm, stopping the reciprocal attacks, for the sake of the populations on both sides.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke to the Israeli Defence Minister, Ehud Barak, conveying his deep concerns and condolences on 28 February. Their discussions focused on southern Israel and Gaza.

Middle East: Jordan Valley

David Lepper: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to the Government of Israel about the demolition of Palestinian homes in the village of Hadidiya in the Jordan Valley by the Israeli army on 6 February.

Kim Howells: We raised the alleged issue with the Israeli embassy in London on 29 February. Our embassy in Tel Aviv and Consulate-General in Jerusalem continue to monitor the situation in the Jordan Valley and raise our concerns when appropriate.
	The demolition of Palestinian homes and property is an issue over which we are greatly concerned. While the UK recognises Israel's right to defend itself against terrorist attack, the Israeli Government must act within international law. The demolition of homes harms innocent civilians. It only fuels anger among Palestinians and consequently risks undermining prospects for peace in the longer term. We have called on the Israeli authorities to end house demolitions in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Middle East: EUBAM

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on restoring the EU monitoring force, EUBAM, on the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza; and if he will make a statement.

Kim Howells: The UK is deeply concerned about recent events at the crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The 28 January EU General Affairs and External Relations Council made clear that
	the EU is ready to consider resuming its monitoring mission at Rafah under the provisions of the relevant international agreements related to Access and Movement concluded in November 2005.
	We support the efforts of our EU and UN colleagues to promote an effective Palestinian security force and the reopening of the Gaza crossings.
	My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation at Rafah with his Egyptian counterpart, Aboul Gheit, on 19 February. We support the efforts by the Government of Egypt to find a peaceful and orderly solution to the current situation.

Nuclear Fuels

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in securing international agreement to an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) administered mechanism for reliable access to nuclear fuel since it was presented to the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting, 12 to 15 June 2006; and if he will make a statement.

David Miliband: Detailed proposals comprising nuclear fuel assurances, enriched uranium reserves and new multinational enrichment facilities have been put forward by Germany, Russia, the United States, the UK and others. Many are complementary and compatible. The UK Enrichment Bond is an assurance of supply initiative. The UK, Germany and the Netherlands will host a conference on 17-18 April to bring together potential customer and supplier States to exchange views and inform further development of these proposals. We expect at least two proposals to be discussed at the June 2008 International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors.

Russia: Foreign Policy

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on the EU of recent developments in Russian foreign policy; and whether the Government supports the development of an EU common policy toward the Russian Federation.

Jim Murphy: The EU and the Russian Federation have a substantive dialogue on foreign policy issues, as provided for by the EU-Russia Common Space on External Security. Where Russian foreign policy impacts on the EU, the EU seeks a common EU response.
	The Government support the commencement of negotiations between the EU and the Russian Federation on an agreement to replace the current EU-Russia Partnership and Co-operation Agreement. A new agreement should provide a comprehensive and robust framework for relations between the EU and Russia.

Television Screens

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many plasma television screens have been purchased by his Department and its agencies, and at what cost, in the last 24 months.

Meg Munn: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) delegates budgets for such equipment to individual internal departments and does not hold a centralised record of such purchases. The information could therefore only be provided at disproportionate cost.
	Standard FCO guidance applies to the purchase of plasma television screens. This is based on achieving value for money.

TREASURY

Northern Rock

Andrew MacKay: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on Northern Rock's relationship with Granite.

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Northern Rock's relationship with Granite is.

Yvette Cooper: I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I gave on the Floor of the House to the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner) earlier today,  Official Report, column 1898.

Northern Rock

Peter Viggers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government's financial exposure to Northern Rock and its associated financial entities is.

Yvette Cooper: Parliament has been notified of all contingent liabilities relating to Northern Rock.

Northern Rock

David Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what Northern Rock's relationship with Granite is; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on the Floor of the House to the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner) earlier today.

Gold Sales

Peter Lilley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the advice he received from the Bank of England and his Department's officials prior to the sale of gold in 1999 and 2000.

Angela Eagle: Full details of the rationale for the gold sales is set out in the Treasury publication, Review of the Sale of part of the UK Reserves, which was published in October 2002. We have no plans to publish officials' advice.

Climate Change

Adrian Bailey: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with international finance ministers on the economic impact of climate change. [R]

Angela Eagle: The UK is working to ensure that the economic impacts of climate change, highlighted by the Stern Review, are a central topic for Finance Ministers. Recently, the Chancellor has discussed these issues with colleagues from the G20, the G7 and other EU member states. The UK is working closely with our partners to develop a new suite of strategic climate funds to support developing countries in adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Climate Change

Alan Whitehead: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effects on the economy of climate change.

Angela Eagle: The Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change assessed a wide range of evidence on the impacts of climate change and the economic costs, and concluded that the benefits of strong and early action far outweigh the economic costs of inaction. The Government are committed to creating the conditions necessary for cost-effective emissions reductions in the UK, and encouraging multi-lateral effort and international trading to reduce the costs to the UK and the world.

Health Expenditure

Lynda Waltho: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effects on the economy of expenditure on health care.

Yvette Cooper: Health care investment supports the health of the working population and so UK productivity. The NHS's 11 billion spend on drugs also supports an innovative pharmaceutical sector. Recognising the importance of health care to the economy, Dame Carol Black will this year publish the first ever review into the health of Britain's working age population. This will look at what more the NHS, working with employers, can do to improve productivity in the wider economy.

Interest Rates

Stephen Ladyman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the effects of the current level of interest rates on the economy.

Angela Eagle: The Chancellor will update his economic forecasts in the Budget on March 12 in the normal way, taking into account all relevant factors.

Energy Prices

David Hamilton: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect that energy prices will have on consumer price inflation over the next year.

Angela Eagle: Overall, CPI inflation has remained very close to its 2 per cent. target over the last seven months. The Government will publish their latest assessment of recent economic developments and prospects in the financial statement and Budget report on 12 March, in the normal way.

Child Poverty

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on child poverty during preparations for the 2008 Budget.

Jane Kennedy: Ministers have a wide variety of meetings as part of the process of policy development and delivery. As was the case with previous Administrations, it is not the Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings.

Tax Credits

Don Foster: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to make award notices easier to understand for tax credit claimants.

Jane Kennedy: A revised version of the award notice, reflecting comments from the voluntary and community sector, has been in use since April 2006. Additionally, claimants now receive a two-page summary that explains the most important aspects of their award and tells them what information on their award notice they need to check. At the end of the year, a customer's renewal notice provides a full history of the changes made in the period of the award.

Child Benefit

Anthony Steen: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that Mr. Goult of Littlehampton near Totnes can continue to repay the lump sum child benefit payment erroneously paid to him and his wife in July 2006 by the Child Support Agency in weekly instalments.

Jane Kennedy: HM Revenue and Customs is responsible for the payment of child benefit. Information relating to child benefit is strictly confidential and may only be disclosed to or discussed with the applicant. Correspondence regarding an individual's child benefit payments should therefore be sent directly to the Child Benefit Office, Waterview Park, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE38 8QG.

Child Benefit: EU Nationals

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  how many nationals of each A8 country were receiving UK child benefit for a child or children living in another EEA member state at the end of December 2007; and at what cost to the public purse;
	(2)  in respect of how many Czech children living in the Czech Republic UK child benefit is paid; and how much was spent on those payments in the last year for which figures are available;
	(3)  in respect of how many Hungarian children living in Hungary UK child benefit is paid; and how much was spent on those payments in the last year for which figures are available;
	(4)  in respect of how many Estonian children living in Estonia UK child benefit is paid; and how much was spent on those payments in the last year for which figures are available;
	(5)  in respect of how many Latvian children living in Latvia UK child benefit is paid; and how much was spent on those payments in the last year for which figures are available;
	(6)  in respect of how many Lithuanian children living in Lithuania UK child benefit is paid; and how much was spent on those payments in the last year for which figures are available;
	(7)  in respect how many Slovakian children living in Slovakia UK child benefit is paid; and how much was spent on those payments in the last year for which figures are available;
	(8)  in respect of how many Slovenian children living in Slovenia UK child benefit is paid; and how much was spent on those payments in the last year for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: Around 7.5 million families are currently claiming child benefit for around 13 million children.
	At the end of December 2007, there were around 21,000 ongoing awards to A8 nationals recorded as receiving child benefit for around 34,000 children living in another EEA member state. This equates to around a quarter of a per cent. of all child benefit awards.
	The breakdown by nationality is as follows but these disaggregated numbers are only estimates and should be used with caution.
	
		
			  Country  Number of awards at 31 December 2007  Number of children included in awards 
			 Czech Republic 102 160 
			 Estonia 9 15 
			 Hungary 38 64 
			 Latvia 192 255 
			 Lithuania 482 714 
			 Poland 19,054 31,399 
			 Slovakia 951 1,667 
			 Slovenia 2 2 
		
	
	The other information requested is not available in the format requested or is available only at disproportionate cost.

Child Benefit: EU Nationals

Damian Green: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in respect of how many children in  (a) Romania,  (b) Bulgaria,  (c) Poland,  (d) the Czech Republic and  (e) Slovakia UK child benefit was being paid on 31 December 2007.

Jane Kennedy: For information relating to claims from nationals of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia for children resident in another EEA country, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr. Hammond) earlier today (183706). At the end of December 2007, there were 13 ongoing awards to Bulgarian and Romanian nationals for 14 children living in another EEA country broken down by nationality as follows:
	
		
			  Country  Number of awards at 31 Dec ember  2007  Number of children included in awards 
			 Bulgaria 9 9 
			 Romania 4 5

Crosby Public-Private Forum

Philip Hammond: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent on the Crosby Public-Private Forum on identity management to date.

Yvette Cooper: The total costs of Sir James Crosby's report of the Public-Private Forum on identity management, copies of which are available in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office, were 702,870.39, including research, secretariat and sundry expenses.

Departmental Visits

Bob Spink: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions members of the public undertook tours of his Department in each of the last five years.

Angela Eagle: The Treasury building at 1 Horse Guards Road is a regular participant in London Open House weekend. Details of other tours undertaken by members of the public are not held centrally.

Employment: Bingo

Bob Russell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people are employed in the bingo industry; what forecast he has made of the size of that workforce in February 2009; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 6 March 2008:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question on how many people are employed in the bingo industry; and what forecast has been made of the size of the workforce in February 2009. (191569)
	Employment figures classified according to industry are routinely provided using the Annual Business Inquiry (ABI). The figure provided below, using SIC03 is compiled from the industry classified as Gambling and betting activities (SIC03 code 92.71). Bingo is not separately identified.
	In 2006 the ABI records that there were 96,644 people employed in Gambling and betting activities. Forecasts relevant to this question are not compiled by the Office for National Statistics.
	As with any sample survey estimates from the Annual Business Inquiry are subject to margins of uncertainty.

Healthy Start Scheme

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that people whose tax credit claims are being dealt with clerically receive promptly the Healthy Start vouchers to which they are entitled.

Jane Kennedy: A process is in place to ensure that applications for Healthy Start from clerically paid child tax credit claimants can be processed by the Healthy Start Issuing Unit (HSIU), with case by case assistance from HMRC.
	In addition, where a tax credits recipient first appears to satisfy the Healthy Start eligibility criteria TCO staff are instructed to refer the recipient's details to the HSIU who prompt the individual to apply for Healthy Start if they have not done so already. Periodic ongoing checks with HMRC staff ensure that they continue to be supported for as long as they remain entitled.
	Work is under way to develop an automated mechanism which will speed up this process and provide a safety net for individuals who have not previously made an application for Healthy Start.

Iraq Conflict: Costs

Bob Spink: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has made to the US Administration on the repayment of costs incurred in assisting the US in the Iraq war; and if he will make a statement.

Yvette Cooper: The UK seeks repayments from partner nations for their use of the MOD's life support facilities in theatre such as catering and medical facilities. The UK in turn pays for any services provided to them. Beyond that, no representations have been made to the US Administration for the repayment of costs incurred as a consequence of the UK's contribution to the current military operations in Iraq.

Minimum Wage

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many HM Revenue and Customs investigations into employers alleged to be paying less than the minimum wage  (a) have been undertaken since 1999 and  (b) were undertaken in each year since 1999; and how many criminal prosecutions followed such investigations in each year.

Jane Kennedy: The total number of investigations into employers paying less than the minimum wage in each year since 1999 and overall, can be found in the following table. There were no criminal prosecutions until 2007 when two employers were successfully prosecuted.
	
		
			   Investigations  Prosecutions 
			 1999-00 6,041 0 
			 2000-01 7,256 0 
			 2001-02 5,368 0 
			 2002-03 6,238 0 
			 2003-04 5,541 0 
			 2004-05 5,155 0 
			 2005-06 4,904 0 
			 2006-07 4,235 0 
			 2007-08 (to 31 January 2008) 3,300 2 
			 Total 48,038 2 
		
	
	In the great majority of cases where minimum wage arrears are identified the employer pays any minimum wage arrears without the need for any formal enforcement action. Where arrears are not paid, an Enforcement Notice will be issued setting out the arrears that are considered to be due. An employer will then have 28 days to lodge an appeal and subsequently have his case heard before an Employment Tribunal. If the appeal is not upheld or the Enforcement Notice is not appealed against, the arrears become due.

Pensions: Private Sector

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the average value of the fund at retirement for people retiring with a private sector pension on the latest dates for which figures are available.

Angela Eagle: No estimates are available. HMRC administrative data cover funds held by individuals in personal pension schemes only, and do not distinguish individuals at retirement.

Revenue and Customs: Employment Agencies

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what payments have been made to employment agencies by HM Revenue and Customs on each day since 1 October 2007.

Jane Kennedy: Listed in the table are the payments made by HMRC on each day since 1 October 2007 to employment agencies.
	
		
			  Date   
			 2 October 2007 93.00 
			 3 October 2007 7,436.00 
			 5 October 2007 85.00 
			 9 October 2007 9,547.00 
			 10 October 2007 23,000.00 
			 17 October 2007 20,180.00 
			 19 October 2007 5.00 
			 22 October 2007 65.00 
			 23 October 2007 13,715.00 
			 24 October 2007 5.00 
			 29 October 2007 13,558.00 
			 30 October 2007 4,514.00 
			 1 November 2007 736.00 
			 5 November 2007 4,854.00 
			 6 November 2007 180.00 
			 7 November 2007 11,486.00 
			 8 November 2007 5,080.00 
			 13 November 2007 400.00 
			 14 November 2007 25,000.00 
			 21 November 2007 885.00 
			 22 November 2007 2,500.00 
			 23 November 2007 10,878.00 
			 26 November 2007 925.00 
			 27 November 2007 12,334.00 
			 28 November 2007 6,651.00 
			 29 November 2007 2,417.00 
			 5 December 2007 34,880.00 
			 7 December 2007 350.00 
			 10 December 2007 4,028.00 
			 11 December 2007 12,837.00 
			 12 December 2007 24,102.00 
			 13 December 2007 9,750.00 
			 17 December 2007 9,000.00 
			 18 December 2007 2,800.00 
			 19 December 2007 4,000.00 
			 20 December 2007 667.00 
			 21 December 2007 34,914.00 
			 27 December 2007 9,193.00 
			 28 December 2007 540.00 
			 4 January 2008 1,000.00 
			 7 January 2008 17,176.00 
			 8 January 2008 11,285.00 
			 9 January 2008 17,515.00 
			 10 January 2008 1,375.00 
			 11 January 2008 2,000.00 
			 14 January 2008 30,414.00 
			 15 January 2008 7,792.00 
			 16 January 2008 70.00 
			 18 January 2008 670.00 
			 21 January 2008 125.00 
			 22 January 2008 24,502.00 
			 28 January 2008 4,075.00 
			 31 January 2008 1,498.00 
			 31 January 2008 2,300.00 
			 1 February 2008 831.00 
			 1 February 2008 15,662.00 
			 4 February 2008 6,233.00 
			 5 February 2008 8,000.00 
			 6 February 2008 22,630.00 
			 6 February 2008 4,603.00 
			 7 February 2008 9,376.00 
			 7 February 2008 6,000.00 
			 12 February 2008 1,779.00 
			 13 February 2008 11,797.00 
			 14 February 2008 240.00 
			 14 February 2008 4,400.00 
			 14 February 2008 53,648.00 
			 15 February 2008 623.00 
			 18 February 2008 5,099.00 
			 19 February 2008 3,110.00 
			 19 February 2008 400.00 
			 19 February 2008 11,000.00 
			 19 February 2008 325.00 
			 20 February 2008 1,419.00 
			 22 February 2008 15 
			 25 February 2008 1,247.00 
			 25 February 2008 130.00 
			 27 February 2008 4,710.00 
			 29 February 2008 6,554.00

Tax Yields: East Sussex

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the Government raised in tax in  (a) Eastbourne constituency and  (b) East Sussex in each year since 1997.

Angela Eagle: Information on the total amount of tax raised in Eastbourne and East Sussex is not available.

Taxation: Exports

Jeremy Hunt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost to the Exchequer of value added tax export relief was in each of the last three years.

Jane Kennedy: No estimate has been made of the cost of the zero rate for the export of goods. The relief implements basic VAT principles that goods consumed outside the EU are not subject to EU VAT, so there is no actual exchequer cost.

Taxation: Landlords

Jim Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases have been brought by HM Revenue and Customs against buy-to-let landlords alleged to have  (a) claimed too much tax relief on mortgage payments and  (b) under-stated rental income or capital gains in 2007-08.

Angela Eagle: The information is available only at disproportionate cost.

Tonnage Tax: Ferries

Andrew Turner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what changes he plans to introduce to the tonnage tax regime for passenger ferry services operating in UK waters; and which  (a) vessels and  (b) ferry services will be affected;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the effects of the withdrawal of the tonnage tax regime on the costs of ferry operators operating  (a) Isle of Wight and  (b) other internal UK ferry services.

Jane Kennedy: h olding answer 5 March 2008
	The Government have been engaged in discussions with the European Commission to ensure that the UK's tonnage tax regime is compliant with EU state aid guidelines. Those discussions are still ongoing. Apart from any changes which may be required as a result of those discussions, the Government have no plans to change the tonnage tax rules.
	Ferries operating across harbours, rivers or estuaries have always been specifically excluded from tonnage tax and since 1 July 2005 ferries have had to be operating at sea to qualify for tonnage tax. HMRC has published guidance on the interpretation of sea for tonnage tax purposes.
	We cannot provide data relating to the impact of this change on shipping companies because it is under review and because of the need to protect taxpayer confidentiality.

Welfare Tax Credits

Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many households with dependent children, where those children were classified as being in poverty, were eligible for tax credits in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: Latest available data, consistent with DWP's Households Below Average Income publication, shows that there were 1.5 million households with children in relative low income poverty in 2005-06 (household income less than 60 per cent. of median on a before housing costs basis). Nearly all these 1.5 million households have positive entitlements to tax credits.

Welfare Tax Credits: Administration

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of people in receipt of tax credits are being dealt with clerically.

Jane Kennedy: Out of the six million households in receipt of tax credits, around 22,700 are being dealt with clerically. This represents around 0.3 per cent. of households currently benefiting from tax credits.

Winter Fuel Payments

John Barrett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on funding for the winter fuel allowance as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review process.

Jane Kennedy: The Chancellor has discussions with his Cabinet colleagues on a wide range of issues on a regular basis.
	Tax rates and benefit payments are kept under review as part of the annual Budget process. However, the pre-Budget report 2005 announced that winter fuel payments will be paid at their current levels for the rest of this Parliament.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Child Support

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the longest repayment schedule agreed by the Child Support Agency is.

James Plaskitt: The information requested is not available.

Child Support

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individual debts written off by the Child Support Agency were worth  (a) over 1 million,  (b) between 500,000 and 999,999,  (c) between 250,000 and 499,999,  (d) between 100,000 and 249,999,  (e) between 50,000 and 99,999,  (f) between 20,000 and 49,999,  (g) between 10,000 and 19,999,  (h) between 5,000 and 9,999 and  (i) between 1,000 and 4,999.

James Plaskitt: The Administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 6 March 2008:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many individual debts written off by the Child Support Agency have been worth (a) over 1 million (b) between 500,000 and 999,999 (c) between 250,000 and 499,999 (d) between 100,000 and 249,999 (e) between 50,000 and 99,999 (f) between 20,000 and 49,999 (g) between 10,000 and 19,999 (h) between 5,000 and 9,999 and (i) between 1,000 and 4,999.
	The Agency does not have the power to write off debt and has never done so. The Agency does, however, undertake an annual Debt Analysis Exercise which consists of a random, statistically valid sample of new and old rules cases, to distinguish between debt which is deemed collectable, and that which is deemed possibly uncollectable and probably uncollectable. The results of this sample exercise are applied to the total Agency debt balance and are subject to review by the National Audit Office as part of their audit of the Agency's accounts. Classing a debt as possibly or probably uncollectable does not mean the Agency has waived its discretion to take action in the future to collect any outstanding money. The Agency may reassess the status of a debt if it receives new information about the case to which it relates.
	Figures concerning collectable and uncollectable debt can be found in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts. In the most recent debt analysis exercise in March 2007, 49% of debt was classed as collectable.
	The Agency takes the collection of outstanding debt very seriously. The focus of the current year of the Operational Improvement Plan is enforcement and compliance, as the Agency strives to increase its debt collection and get more money for more children. Every effort is made to ensure the non-resident parents fulfill their financial responsibility to their children.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Child Support Agency: Bolton

Chris McCafferty: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Vertex-contracted Child Support Agency (CSA) office in Bolton in  (a) communicating with (i) hon. and right hon. Members, (ii) Ministers and (iii) other CSA offices and  (b) operating efficiency.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 6 February 2008
	The administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 6 March 2008:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Vertex-contracted Child Support Agency (CSA) office in Bolton in  (a) communication with (i) hon. and right hon. Members (ii) Ministers and (iii) other CSA offices and  (b) operating efficiently.
	Vertex Data Science Ltd. manages the CSA Bolton site, a unit we have established to deal with those cases which for technical reasons can not be progressed on the computer system and therefore need to be administered clerically. By moving all the clerical work undertaken by the Agency to this one site from September 2006, the Agency was able to release people to focus on other improvement work outlined in the Operational Improvement Plan, including reducing the number of uncleared applications and strengthening enforcement.
	While the arrangement has been generally beneficial, we have experienced some operational issues including expressions of concern from some clients, MPs and the Independent Case Examiner about how the Agency has managed its service to clients and delays in resolving complaints. The Agency has now taken steps to ensure that our service to clients improves in the future. In October 2007 the Agency renegotiated the contract to allow Vertex to focus on keeping maintenance flowing to children, and increased the resource dedicated to progressing clerical cases by retaining responsibility for new clerical cases until first payment stage.
	In addition, all complaints with MP or Independent Case Examiner involvement as well as those cases that require a review are now also being dealt with by specialist caseworkers within the Agency. Clerical cases represent less than three per cent of all assessed cases. The administration of these cases will continue to present a challenge, however the Agency is continually working with its contractors to improve the service to these clients.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Child Support Agency: Finance

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the staffing cost of each staff grade of the Child Support Agency was in each of the last 10 years.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 6 March 2008:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the staffing cost of each staff grade of the Child Support Agency was in each of the last 10 years.
	The Child Support Agency is a part of the Department for Work and Pensions. The Agency uses the Department's payroll and accounting system to record and report expenditure.
	Whilst the payroll system does have the functionality to report employee costs by grade, in order to fully respond to this and capture all elements of employee costs, a number of scans would need to be commissioned. This would be at disproportionate cost in terms of both IT development and employee time.
	However, the table below provides the total Agency spend on employees for the last ten financial years as recorded in the Child Support Agency Annual Report and Accounts.
	
		
			  Financial year  Total employee spend ( million) 
			 1997-98 145.5 
			 1998-99 141.2 
			 1999-2000 154.0 
			 2000-01 157.7 
			 2001-02 181.5 
			 2002-03 210.0 
			 2003-04 215.6 
			 2004-05 218.9 
			 2005-06 240.1 
			 2006-07 271.2 
		
	
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Child Support Agency

Andrew Stunell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many Child Support Agency cases remain suspended pending the opening of new clerical team centres;
	(2)  how many Child Support Agency (CSA) cases were dealt with by the CSA's clerical team in each month since January 2007;
	(3)  how many Child Support Agency (CSA) cases were transferred to the CSA clerical team in each month since January 2007.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 6 March 2008:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	; and
	; and
	How many Child Support Agency cases were transferred to the CSA clerical team in each month since January 2007.
	The Agency contracted out the management of its clerical cases to Vertex Data Science Ltd in September 2006. They initially managed all aspects of the clerical case-load at the Bolton site on our behalf and to date have administered more than 30m to parents with care. In October 2007 the Agency renegotiated the contract to allow Vertex to focus on keeping maintenance flowing to children, and increased the resource dedicated to progressing clerical cases by retaining responsibility for new clerical cases until first payment stage.
	Child maintenance applications are processed clerically where, due to technical issues, they cannot be advanced on our computer system. Unfortunately the process of identifying, transferring and assessing these cases can add significant delays. In addition the Agency's success in reducing the number of outstanding applications uncovered a larger than expected number of cases needing to be processed clerically.
	New clerical cases are now progressed to first payment stage at our Stockport and Cumnock sites, with new clerical cases being referred to these sites to be assessed before referral to Bolton to be maintained. All cases identified as being appropriate for clerical handling have been moved, or are currently in the process of being moved to the dedicated clerical teams for progression, with the transfer due to be completed by 15 February 2008.
	Clerical cases represent less than three per cent of all assessed cases. The Agency is continually working with its contractors to improve the service to these clients. In addition an upgrade to the computer system (CS2) due to be completed by the end of March 2008, will reduce the need for the Agency's clerical teams.
	Information on the number of new clerical cases and the total number of clerical cases being dealt with each month is set out in the attached table.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.
	
		
			  Child Support Agency: Clerical cases 
			  Month (2007)  Number of new clerical cases  Number of clerical cases 
			 January 703 27,654 
			 February 910 28,509 
			 March 871 29,256 
			 April 1,347 30,568 
			 May 950 30,914 
			 June 769 31,665 
			 July 1,477 33,094 
			 August 1,093 33,783 
			 September 601 33,600 
			 October 532 34,049 
			 November 620 33,294 
			 December 500 33,265 
			  Note: Each month the number of clerical cases increases to reflect new cases that are referred for clerical progression. Similarly, each month a number of existing clerical cases are closed and so are removed from the total number of clerical cases.

Child Support: Private Sector

Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of collection of unpaid child support maintenance by private companies to which the work has been outsourced.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 28 February 2008
	Since August 2006, the Agency has referred over 63,000 cases to debt collection agencies with a total debt of 335.9 million. By the end of December 2007, 9.3 million had been collected from 15,619 cases, of which 3,092 had paid in full. Additionally, in the same period, the seven-day warning letter sent by the Agency to inform clients that their debt is being transferred to the debt collection agencies has resulted in an additional 4.7 million being collected by the Agency.
	This additional child maintenance collected is contributing to the Agency's Operational Improvement Plan commitment of collecting over 200 million in additional arrears by March 2009.

Children: Poverty

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department plans to take to assist those children living in the severest poverty in Scotland.

Stephen Timms: The joint Department for Children, Schools and Families/Department for Work and Pensions Child Poverty Unit is working closely with the devolved administrations to take forward common priorities, co-ordinate approaches and share best practice in developing policy on child poverty.
	Our policies are not designed only for those who fall 'just below the poverty threshold'. We have pledged to eradicate child poverty by 2020; this requires us to tackle child poverty, whatever its depth, in all countries of the UK.
	The most common and internationally recognised threshold to measure relative poverty is income below 60 per cent. of median. Specific information regarding low income for the United Kingdom including the number of children living in households with income below 50 per cent. of the median, is available in Households Below Average Income 1994-95 to 2005-06. The figures in this publication show that children in Scotland are no more at risk of being in poverty than they are in England.
	In fact, the Public Service Agreement target to reduce child poverty by a quarter by 2004-05 was more than met in Scotland. Between 1998-99 and 2004-05, the number of children living in relative low income households in Scotland reduced by 90,000 (from 300,000 to 210,000).
	Work, for those who can, remains the most sustainable route out of poverty. The Government are supporting families to escape poverty by increasing employment and raising incomes for those who can work. But we recognise that we need to do more to help those who are out of work or in low paid work. And we are looking again at what more the Government could do to ensure that children in these families are not at a disadvantage.

Correspondence: Child Support Agency

Greg Pope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects the chief executive of the Child Support Agency to reply to the letter dated 21 September 2007 from the hon. Member for Hyndburn on Miss Angela Feeley.

James Plaskitt: The administration of the Child Support Agency is the matter for the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Stephen Geraghty, dated 6 March 2008:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when he expects the Chief Executive of the Child Support Agency to reply to the letter dated 21st September 2007 from the Hon. Member for Hyndburn on Miss Angela Feeley.
	As details about individual cases are confidential I have written to you separately about this case.
	I hope you find this answer helpful.

Departmental Equality

Roger Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what conclusions his Department has reached in fulfilment of the duty under section 3.111 of the statutory code of practice of the disability equality duty.

Anne McGuire: The conclusions reached by DWP in fulfilment of the duty can be found in the Department for Work and Pensions Disability, Gender and Race Equality Schemes Annual Progress Report 2007 which includes an update on its disability equality scheme action plan. This was published on both its internal and external websites on 30 November 2007.

Departmental Fraud

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff of his Department were  (a) prosecuted and  (b) convicted for fraud against the Department in each of the last 10 years; and what the value of such fraud was in each year.

Anne McGuire: Information is not available in the exact format requested and can be provided only from January 2004.
	The figures shown in the following table relate to all types of identified fraud against DWP committed by staff. It includes fraud relating to all the benefits administered by DWP, theft of assets and financial irregularities.
	
		
			   Number of staff convicted  Value of fraud () 
			 January to March 2004 4 46,230.37 
			 April 2004 to March 2005 11 24,081.01 
			 April 2005 to March 2006 10 65,748.21 
			 April 2006 to March 2007 14 207,412.62 
			 April 2007 to December 2007 14 159,204.80

Departmental Internet

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many Wikipedia entries have been  (a) created and  (b) amended (i) by (A) special advisers, (B) Ministers and (C) communications officials and (ii) from IP addresses of (X) special advisers, (Y) Ministers and (Z) communications officials in (aa) his Department and (bb) its agencies since August 2005.

Anne McGuire: The Department for Work and Pensions does not have a policy of creating, monitoring or amending Wikipedia entries and no records exist of any entries being created and/ or amended by special advisers, Ministers and communications officials.
	The Department for Work and Pensions accesses the world wide web via the Government Secure Intranet. The internal IP address is changed on the route out. This means that when someone logs in to their PC, they are given an IP address from a central pool, which means, in practice, it is not possible to trace back to the individual who accessed the web. Sites such as Wikipedia see a centralised GSI gateway address rather than the address for a specific individual.

Departmental Manpower

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many  (a) staff and  (b) full-time equivalent staff under 18 years are employed by his Department.

Anne McGuire: The civil service statistics are collected by the Office for National Statistics from the Annual Civil Service Employment Survey (formerly Mandate) and the latest published figures are for 30 September 2006.
	On the 30 September 2006, the Department for Work and Pensions employed a total of  (a) 160 staff and  (b) 150 full-time equivalent staff under the age of 18-years-old.

Departmental Private Initiative

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the  (a) value and  (b) start date was of each private finance initiative project approved by his Department in each of the last three financial years.

Anne McGuire: The capital value and start date for every signed PFI project are recorded centrally on the Treasury's website at:
	http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/documents/public_private_partnerships/ppp_pfi_stats.cfm

Departmental Retirement

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff in his Department retired on grounds of stress-related illness in each of the last three years.

Anne McGuire: The information requested is not available. The Department for Work and Pensions does not separately record information about the type of illness or illnesses that result in retirement on grounds of ill health.

Departmental Sick Leave

Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of working days lost by his Department's staff was attributed to stress-related conditions in the most recent year for which figures are available.

Anne McGuire: DWP, in common with other Government Departments, records sickness absences against a list of standard definitions. Stress-related conditions would fall under the category depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. The percentage of working days lost attributed to depression, anxiety and other mental health issues in 2007 was calculated as 26.4 per cent. of total absences.

Fairtrade Initiative

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will take steps to promote Fair Trade Fortnight 2008 amongst staff within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: The Department works very closely with its estate partner (Land Securities Trillium) and its catering service partner (Compass Group) as part of our commitment to the sustainable food procurement initiative. The Department is committed to supporting Fairtrade and over 60 per cent. of its tea and coffee purchases are Fairtrade certified products.
	Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 is being promoted to staff on the Department's intranet site. In addition, Compass is highlighting Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 using posters, leaflets and other promotional material.
	The Department is working with Compass to expand on the range of Fairtrade products purchased and recently met jointly with Compass and the Fairtrade Foundation to build on this work for Fairtrade Fortnight 2009.

HM Revenue and Customs: Data Protection

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will allocate new national insurance numbers to those children whose data was included on the discs lost by HM Revenue and Customs in October 2007.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	National insurance numbers alone are not proof of identity and other checks would always be used to establish an individual's identity. There are no plans to allocate new national insurance numbers.

Industrial Health and Safety: Compensation

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals received a consolatory payment from the Health and Safety Commission and Executive in each year since 1997; what the average value of payment was in each year; and how much was paid in total in consolatory payments in each year.

Anne McGuire: The reply is provided in the following tables. The Health and Safety Commission made no payments containing a consolatory element. The figures for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) exclude all forms of compensatory payment that were made in the normal course of litigation. The figures up to and including 2006-07 relate to compensation/ex-gratia payments to individuals which may have included an element for consolatory payment but which was not recorded separately. The figure for 2007-08 relates to consolatory payments only and reflects the latest position at 20 February 2008.
	
		
			   Number of individuals who received compensation/ex-gratia payments from HSE which may have contained a consolatory element  Average value of such payments( 1)  ()  Total value of such payments () 
			 1997-08 to 2001-02 0 0 0 
			 2002-03 4 424 1,694 
			 2003-04 to 2004-05 0 0 0 
			 2005-06 1 n/a 600 
			 2006-07 0 0 0 
			 (1) Rounded to the nearest pound. 
		
	
	
		
			   Number of individuals who received a consolatory payment from HSE  Average value of such payments ()  Total value of such payments () 
			 2007-08(1) 1 n/a 2,000 
			 (1) Latest position.

Industrial Health and Safety: Compensation

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in what circumstances a consolatory payment would be made by the Health and Safety Commission and Executive; and what guidance is provided by his Department on the payment of a conciliatory payment to a customer of the Health and Safety Commission and Executive; and if he will place a copy of that guidance in the Library.

Anne McGuire: A consolatory payment is made by the Health and Safety Commission/Executive (HSC/E) where, in very exceptional circumstances, maladministration has had an adverse effect on a person's life, irrespective of whether a measurable financial loss has occurred. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides guidance on conciliatory (special) payments in its Departmental Losses Framework document which HSC/E follows in relation to all those with whom it has dealings. Additionally, HSC/E's Framework Management Statement and its Financial Memorandum, together, set out the broad policy, governance/risk-management arrangements and financial framework within which HSC/E and its sponsoring Department, DWP, operate, including delegated financial authorities for such conciliatory payments.
	For accounting purposes, HSC/E reports all categories of compensation payments to DWP. A summary is shown in the losses and special payments note to HSC/E's resource accounts.
	The HSC/E Framework Management Statement etc. can already be accessed in the Library. A copy of DWP's Departmental Losses Framework document will be available in due course.

Industrial Training: Older Workers

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what  (a) grants and  (b) training schemes are available through his Department for people (i) over 55 years old and (ii) in retirement to learn new job skills.

James Plaskitt: People who are claiming a benefit or receiving state pension may take up training and retain their benefit, although people on jobseeker's allowance may only take up training part-time. Currently people who are on incapacity benefit for less than 28 weeks, and who are in receipt of housing benefit and council tax benefit, are not entitled to take full-time training to learn new job skills without losing eligibility for that benefit. However, we are revising this situation following the announcement made in Opportunity, Employment and Progression: making skills work published jointly with the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills in November 2007. This announcement stated our intention to remove the 16 hour study rule in housing benefit completely for short-term recipients of incapacity benefit; so that they, like long term incapacity benefit claimants, will always be able to take up the training they need to enable them to return to work.
	All people below state pension age and claiming relevant benefits can access Department for Work and Pensions training schemes depending on whether they meet other eligibility criteria: for example, someone could be referred to an Employability Skills training programme if they had been assessed as having low literacy, language and numeracy skills and wanted to combine improving these with employability skills.
	New deal 50 plus is the only Jobcentre Plus programme directly focused on supporting people aged 50 and over into employment. The programme offers personal adviser support and access to a training grant, worth up to 1500.
	The training grant is currently available when an individual aged 50 and over and claiming a qualifying benefit takes up employment after attending a new deal 50 plus interview after six months of benefit dependency. It offers in-work training support to help individuals update existing skills or gain new skills related to their work for up to two years after starting work. The grant can be used for training provided by an employer or through an external training provider or other educational establishment.
	Up to 1,200 of the grant can be used for training relevant to the job and a further 300 can be used to pay for life-long learning or skills training that is not job related.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people on jobseeker's allowance  (a) were sanctioned and  (b) had their claim terminated because they went abroad in each of the last 10 years.

James Plaskitt: When jobseekers go abroad, they no longer fulfil the entitlement conditions required for jobseeker's allowance and the jobseeker's entitlement ends.
	The number of people on jobseeker's allowance that have had their claim terminated because they went abroad in each of the last 10 years is in the table.
	
		
			  Jobseeker ' s allowance claimants who have flowed-off benefit and gone abroad, Great Britain, December 1998 to December 2007 
			  As at December each year  Claimants who have gone abroad 
			 1998 6,480 
			 1999 6,405 
			 2000 6,620 
			 2001 6,225 
			 2002 5,600 
			 2003 5,285 
			 2004 4,760 
			 2005 4,565 
			 2006 6,030 
			 2007 5,585 
			  Note: Number of claimants rounded to the nearest five.  Source: Count of unemployment-related benefits, Jobcentre Plus computer systems.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what guidance Jobcentre Plus gives to claimants of jobseekers allowance wishing to go on holiday;
	(2)  what guidance Jobcentre Plus gives to its staff on the provision for jobseeker's allowance claimants to go on holiday.

James Plaskitt: Jobcentre Plus training and guidance to staff supports and reinforces the advice given to jobseekers. The ES40 leaflet Jobseeker's Allowance and getting back to work, given to all jobseekers at their new jobseeker interview, sets out the requirement that the jobseeker must tell Jobcentre Plus if they change their address or go away from home, even if it is for a day. This message is further reinforced in the forms that jobseekers are required to complete to notify such absences.
	Jobcentre Plus provides advice and guidance to its staff to equip them to explain to jobseekers the impact going away from home may have on entitlement.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people claimed jobseeker's allowance in  (a) the UK,  (b) the North East,  (c) the Tees Valley and  (d) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland in each year since 1997.

James Plaskitt: The information is in the following table:
	
		
			  Number of jobseeker ' s allowance claimants 
			  As at January each year  UK  North East  Tees Valley  Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland 
			 1997 1,907,755 107,320 31,875 3,960 
			 1998 1,479,265 93,660 28,985 3,520 
			 1999 1,386,410 88,595 26,735 3,175 
			 2000 1,236,380 81,765 25,615 3,050 
			 2001 1,077,770 72,230 22,145 2,785 
			 2002 1,021,465 66,590 20,610 2,575 
			 2003 998,035 60,275 18,375 2,280 
			 2004 952,430 54,720 17,015 2,085 
			 2005 872,070 48,175 14,340 1,705 
			 2006 955,335 51,085 15,315 1,790 
			 2007 965,095 54,700 16,705 1,985 
			 2008 830,540 50,360 15,420 1,860 
			  Notes: 1. Figures are rounded to the nearest five. 2. Tees Valley consists of the local authorities of Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, and Stockton.  Source: Count of unemployment-related benefits, Jobcentre Plus computer systems (including clerically held cases).

Jobseeker's Allowance: Eligibility

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to ensure that people who leave employment for the purposes of obtaining jobseeker's allowance are not eligible for such allowance.

James Plaskitt: The reason that a person's job came to an end is ascertained from evidence provided by the person themselves and from their employer. When we have evidence that someone may have left employment voluntarily or was dismissed for misconduct we can impose a benefit sanction and prevent jobseeker's allowance being paid for up to 26 weeks. A sanction means that no jobseeker's allowance is payable for that period.
	All sanction decisions are made by a decision maker on a case by case basis, taking all the available evidence into account. A jobseeker has the right of appeal against a sanction decision.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Learning Disability

Christopher Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to ensure that young adults with learning difficulties in receipt of jobseekers allowance, who cannot read or understand forms or use telephones, are able to receive personal help from his Department.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 29 February 2008
	The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
	 Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 6 March 2008:
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking what action is being taken to ensure that young adults with learning difficulties in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance, who cannot read, understand forms or use telephones are able to receive personal help from the Department. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	If a customer cannot read, understand forms or use telephones then a face-to-face meeting at the customer's local Jobcentre can be arranged at which the customer will be helped to make their claim for benefit and, where appropriate, be offered support to seek work. Customers making use of this facility may also wish to involve their own advocate or support agency in this process.
	All of our customers will meet a Financial Assessor when they attend their New Jobseeker Interview or Work-Focused Interview. This allows the Financial Assessor the opportunity to assess the individual needs of the customer and offer any further help they need in order to make a successful claim.
	For those customers with a disability who are ready to start looking for work, we have a network of Disability Employment Advisers who offer help to those who need and want a more in-depth support to find and retain employment. Disability Employment Advisers have received specialist training to allow them to help people with more complex barriers to employment and can offer help with completing applications forms as well as acting as an advocate for the customer in approaches made to potential employers.
	Disability Employment Advisers can also help customers apply for help through a range of disability programmes including Access to Work, which can fund the cost of an advocate to attend a job interview with someone with learning difficulties.
	We provide more personal support for vulnerable people who genuinely need an increased level of support and we are constantly looking at ways of improving services to our vulnerable customers.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Mortgages

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been paid to homeowners in receipt of jobseekers allowance for the purpose of making mortgage repayments in the latest period for which figures are available.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available in the format requested.
	As at May 2007, the most recent available information, there were 8,700 jobseeker's allowance claimants in receipt of help with mortgage interest. The average weekly amount was 46.81.

Local Housing Allowance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what funding has been made available to the Pathfinder authorities for the pilots of the local housing allowance.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 29 February 2008
	I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave on 11 December 2007,  Official Report, column 464W, to the hon. Member for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey (Danny Alexander).

Local Housing Allowance

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance his Department plans to issue to local authorities on the up-take of bank accounts during the roll-out of local housing allowances; and whether such guidance will be issued by April 2008.

Stephen Timms: holding answer 29 February 2008
	The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has already provided a guidance manual and other support and advice to help local authorities with the introduction of the local housing allowance in April 2008. This support has included the provision of advice to local authorities on how best they can support their customers in opening bank accounts.
	DWP is leading a campaign to help financially excluded people access free money advice. The Now Let's Talk Money campaign will direct them to suitable bank accounts, local trusted sources of affordable credit and confidential advice.
	We are also encouraging local authorities to ensure that payment facilities are available to the small number of customers who cannot open a bank account.

Lone Parents: Advisory Services

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance his Department issues to personal advisers helping lone parents.

Stephen Timms: The lone parent personal adviser role is one of a number of specialist adviser roles within Jobcentre Plus. Advisers are required to complete generic adviser training which includes e-learning, mentoring and workbooks. They also complete specialist modules of learning specific to the customer group they will be working with, for example lone parents. To support this training, departmental guidance is available on the departmental intranet site which covers all aspects of business process, regulations, procedures and best practice.

Low Incomes

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many children were members of families with income of less than  (a) 30 per cent.,  (b) 40 per cent.,  (c) 50 per cent. and  (d) 60 per cent. of median earnings in each year since 1997;
	(2)  how many families there were with incomes of less than  (a) 30 per cent.,  (b) 40 per cent.,  (c) 50 per cent. and  (d) 60 per cent. of median earnings in each year since 1997;
	(3)  how many pensioners there were with incomes of less than  (a) 30 per cent.,  (b) 40 per cent.,  (c) 50 per cent. and  (d) 60 per cent. of median earnings in each year since 1997.

Stephen Timms: The most common and internationally recognised threshold to measure relative poverty is income below 60 per cent. of median. We do not present information covering 40 per cent. of median income in our Households Below Average Income series as it is not a sound measure of poverty. This is because households stating the lowest incomes to the Family Resources Survey may not actually have the lowest living standards. Some people who report very low incomes appear to have high spending. Hence any statistics on numbers in this group may be misleading.
	The sample size for the number of households having an income below 30 per cent. of median is too small to yield reliable results.
	Specific information regarding low income for the United Kingdom is available in Households Below Average Income 1994-95 to 2005-06. This annual report, which is a National Statistics publication, includes the numbers and proportions of individuals, children, working age adults and pensioners with incomes below 50 per cent., 60 per cent. and 70 per cent. of median income, and the proportions in persistent poverty.
	Available information is shown in the following tables.
	
		
			  Table 1: Number of children living below 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. of median income in each year between 1996-97 and 2005-06 
			   millions 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			   40%  50%  60%  40%  50%  60% 
			 1996-97 0.6 1.8 3.4 1.4 3.2 4.3 
			 1997-98 0.7 1.8 3.4 1.4 3.1 4.2 
			 1998-99 0.7 1.8 3.4 1.5 3.1 4.4 
			 1999-2000 0.7 1.7 3.4 1.4 3.0 4.3 
			 2000-01 0.7 1.6 3.1 1.3 2.8 4.1 
			 2001-02 0.7 1.5 3.0 1.3 2.6 4.0 
			 2002-03 0.7 1.5 2.9 1.3 2.6 3.9 
			 2003-04 0.7 1.4 2.9 1.3 2.5 3.7 
			 2004-05 0.7 1.4 2.7 1.3 2.3 3.6 
			 2005-06 0.7 1.4 2.8 1.3 2.5 3.8 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Number of families living below 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. of median income in each year between 1996-97 and 2005-06 
			   millions 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			   40%  50%  60%  40%  50%  60% 
			 1996-97 1.3 3.0 5.4 2.6 4.6 7.3 
			 1997-98 1.5 3.1 5.5 2.5 4.5 7.0 
			 1998-99 1.4 3.1 5.4 2.4 4.5 7.0 
			 1999-2000 1.5 3.1 5.5 2.6 4.6 7.0 
			 2000-01 1.6 3.2 5.5 2.6 4.4 6.8 
			 2001-02 1.5 3.1 5.4 2.5 4.3 6.6 
			 2002-03 1.6 3.3 5.6 2.7 4.5 6.8 
			 2003-04 1.7 3.3 5.5 2.8 4.4 6.5 
			 2004-05 1.6 3.1 5.4 2.7 4.2 6.2 
			 2005-06 1.8 3.3 5.6 2.9 4.6 6.7 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 3: Number of pensioners living below 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. of median income in each year between 1996-97 and 2005-06 
			   millions 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			   40%  50%  60%  40%  50%  60% 
			 1996-97 0.4 1.3 2.4 0.5 1.2 2.9 
			 1997-98 0.5 1.3 2.5 0.5 1.3 2.9 
			 1998-99 0.5 1.5 2.8 0.5 1.4 2.9 
			 1999-2000 0.5 1.4 2.6 0.5 1.3 2.8 
			 2000-01 0.5 1.4 2.6 0.5 1.2 2.7 
			 2001-02 0.5 1.4 2.6 0.5 1.2 2.7 
			 2002-03 0.5 1.4 2.5 0.5 1.1 2.5 
			 2003-04 0.5 1.3 2.4 0.5 1.0 2.2 
			 2004-05 0.4 1.2 2.3 0.5 0.9 1.9 
			 2005-06 0.5 1.2 2.2 0.5 0.9 1.8 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 4: Proportion of children living below 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. of median income in each year between 1996-97 and 2005-06 
			   millions 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			   40%  50%  60%  40%  50%  60% 
			 1996-97 5 14 27 11 25 34 
			 1997-98 5 14 27 11 25 33 
			 1998-99 5 14 26 11 24 34 
			 1999-2000 5 13 26 11 23 33 
			 2000-01 6 12 23 10 21 31 
			 2001-02 5 11 23 10 20 31 
			 2002-03 6 11 23 10 20 30 
			 2003-04 5 11 22 10 19 29 
			 2004-05 5 11 21 10 18 28 
			 2005-06 6 11 22 10 19 30 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 5: Proportion of families living below 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. of median income in each year between 1996-97 and 2005-06 
			   millions 
			   Before Housing Costs  After Housing Costs 
			   40%  50%  60%  40%  50%  60% 
			 1996-97 4 10 19 9 16 25 
			 1997-98 5 11 19 9 16 24 
			 1998-99 5 10 19 8 15 24 
			 1999-2000 5 11 19 9 15 24 
			 2000-01 5 11 18 9 15 23 
			 2001-02 5 11 18 8 14 22 
			 2002-03 5 11 18 9 15 22 
			 2003-04 5 11 18 9 14 21 
			 2004-05 5 10 17 9 13 20 
			 2005-06 6 10 18 9 14 21 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 6: Proportion of pensioners living below 40 per cent., 50 per cent. and 60 per cent. of median income in each year between 1996-97 and 2005-06 
			   millions 
			   Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			   40%  50%  60%  40%  50%  60% 
			 1996-97 4 13 25 5 13 29 
			 1997-98 5 13 25 5 13 29 
			 1998-99 5 14 27 5 13 29 
			 1999-2000 5 14 25 5 13 28 
			 2000-01 5 13 25 5 11 26 
			 2001-02 5 14 25 5 11 26 
			 2002-03 5 13 24 5 11 24 
			 2003-04 5 12 23 5 10 21 
			 2004-05 4 11 21 4 8 18 
			 2005-06 5 11 21 4 8 17 
			  Notes: 1. Figures in tables 1, 3, 4 and 6 correspond to Great Britain for 1996-97 and 1997-98 and correspond to the United Kingdom for other years. Estimates for Northern Ireland have been imputed for the years 1998-99 through to 2001-02.  2. Figures in table 2 and 5 correspond to Great Britain from 1996-97 to 2001-02, and correspond to the United Kingdom for later years. It is not possible to impute estimates for Northern Ireland for families for 1998-99 to 2001-02.  3. The reference period for Family Resources Survey (FRS) figures is single financial years.  4. The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication 'Households Below Average Income' series, which uses disposable household income, adjusted/equivalised for household size and composition, as a proxy for standard of living. This uses the OECD equivalence scale for all years in the series.  5. The Government's preferred measure of relative low income poverty is defined as being in a household with a household income of less than 60 per cent. of the contemporary median income. This is an internationally recognised measure.  6. This response includes a lower income threshold of 40 per cent. of the contemporary median income. The data for families with an income lower than 50 per cent. of median is not considered to be accurate as an indicator of living standards. Many of these households while having very low incomes would not be considered poor, but who do genuinely have few sources of income in the short-run. These figures are not national statistics and caution must be applied because those people stating the lowest incomes in the FRS may not actually have the lowest living standards.  7. Figures have been presented on both a before housing cost and after housing cost basis. For before housing cost, housing costs (such as rent, water rates, mortgage interest payments, structural insurance payments and ground rent and service charges) are not deducted from income, while for after housing cost they are. This means that after housing cost incomes will generally be lower than before housing cost.  8. A family is defined as a single adult or couple living as married and any dependent children.  9. Numbers in the tables have been presented in millions, rounded to the nearest 100,000 people.

New Deal

Graham Allen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people the new deal has helped into work, training and work experience in each new deal category since its inception.

Stephen Timms: Information on the number of people helped into work through all the new deals is in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of people into work through new deal 
			  Programme  Number 
			 New deal for young people 764,630 
			 New deal 25 plus 301,170 
			 New deal for lone parents 521,850 
			 New deal for disabled people 151,970 
			 New deal 50 plus 175,320 
			 New deal for partners 6,480 
			  Notes: 1. Data are to May 2007 and are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Programme start dates are: New deal for young people: April 1998 (piloted from January-March 1998); New deal 25 plus: July 1998; New deal for lone parents: October 1998; New deal for partners: April 1999; New deal 50 plus: April 2000; new deal for disabled people: July 2001.  Source: DWP Information Directorate 
		
	
	Information on the number of people who have started training and work experience are only available through the options stage of the new deal for young people (NDYP) programme and the intensive activity period (IAP) of the new deal 25 plus (ND25 plus) programme.
	The available requested information is in the following tables.
	
		
			  New deal for young people (NDYP) 
			  Option  Numbers who have started 
			 Employment option 68,450 
			 Education and training option 141,610 
			  Notes: 1. Data are to May 2007 and are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data includes current participants on the employment and education and training options, as well as those who have left NDYP from these options. 3. Data includes those who have participated on these options but left NDYP from the follow through stage of the programme. 4. Data do not include those who have participated on these options but who are currently on the follow through stage of NDYP. 5. Data could include people on the voluntary new deals who have accessed training from the provision available through NDYP.  Source: DWP Information Directorate. 
		
	
	
		
			  New deal 25 plus 
			  Option  Numbers who have started 
			 Employment and work experience/placements stage of the IAP 92,770 
			 Education and training opportunities stage of the IAP 51,710 
			  Notes: 1. Data are to May 2007 and rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data include current participants on the employment/work experience/training elements of the IAP, as well as those who have left ND25 plus from these elements. 3. Data include those who have participated on these elements of the IAP but left ND25 plus from the follow through stage of the programme. 4. Data do not includes those who have participated on these elements of the IAP but who are currently on the follow through stage of ND25 plus. 5. Data could include people on the voluntary new deals who have accessed training from the provision available through new deal 25 plus.  Source: DWP Information Directorate.

New Deal Schemes: Aberavon

Hywel Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people the New Deal has assisted into work, training and work experience in Aberavon constituency since its inception, broken down by New Deal category.

Stephen Timms: The available information on the number of people helped into work through all the new deals in the Aberavon constituency is in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of people into work through New Deal in Aberavon 
			  Programme  Number 
			 New Deal for Young People 1,290 
			 New Deal 25 Plus 310 
			 New Deal for Lone Parents 900 
			 New Deal for Disabled People 650 
			 New Deal 50 plus 90 
			 New Deal for Partners 10 
			  Notes: 1. Data are to May 2007 and are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Programme start dates are: New Deal for Young People: April 1998 (piloted from January to March 1998); New Deal 25 plus: July 1998; New Deal for Lone Parents: October 1998; New Deal for Partners: April 1999; New Deal 50 plus: April 2000; New Deal for Disabled People: July 2001. 3. Constituency data for New Deal 50 plus are only available from April 2003 and for New Deal for Partners from April 2004.  Source: DWP Information Directorate. 
		
	
	Information on the number of people who have started training and work experience is available only through the Options stage of the new deal for young people (NDYP) programme and the intensive activity period (IAP) of the new deal 25 plus (ND25 plus) programme.
	The available requested information is in the following tables:
	
		
			  New Deal for Young People (NDYP) Options in Aberavon 
			  Option  Numbers who have started 
			 Employment Option 130 
			 Education and Training Option 140 
			  Notes: 1. Data are to May 2007 and are rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data include current participants on the Employment and Education and Training Options, as well as those who have left NDYP from these Options. 3. Data include those who have participated on these Options but left NDYP from the Follow Through stage of the programme. 4. Data do not include those who have participated on these Options but who are currently on the Follow Through stage of NDYP. 5. Data could include participants on the voluntary New Deals who have accessed training available through the mandatory New Deals.  Source: DWP Information Directorate. 
		
	
	
		
			  New Deal 25 plus Intensive Activity Period (IAP) in Aberavon 
			  Option  Numbers who have started 
			 Employment and Work Experience/Placements stage of the IAP 170 
			 Education and Training Opportunities stage of the IAP 10 
			  Notes: 1. Data are to May 2007 and rounded to the nearest 10. 2. Data include current participants on the Employment/Work Experience/Training elements of the IAP, as well as those who have left ND25 plus from these elements. 3. Data include those who have participated on these elements of the IAP but left ND25 plus from the Follow Through stage of the programme. 4. Data do not includes those who have participated on these elements of the IAP but who are currently on the Follow Through stage of ND25 plus. 5. Data could include participants on the voluntary New Deals who have accessed training available through the mandatory New Deals.  Source: DWP Information Directorate.

Pensions

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many pensioners in  (a) Milton Keynes and  (b) England and Wales have been subject to means-testing in each year since 2000.

Mike O'Brien: The information that is available is in the following table.
	Tackling pensioner poverty was one of the Government's first priorities. The introduction of pension credit in October 2003, which targeted substantial additional resources on those in the greatest need, was supported by an extensive campaign to raise awareness of the new benefit and to encourage every pensioner with an entitlement to take it up. The 2004 figures demonstrate that the campaign had a considerable immediate impact. And, since the introduction of pension credit, the number of pensioners in relative poverty has fallen by around 700,000.
	
		
			  Num ber of beneficiaries of means tested benefits, aged 60 and over 
			  Mid year  England and Wales 
			 2000 3,070,000 
			 2001 3,060,000 
			 2002 2,970,000 
			 2003 2,950,000 
			 2004 3,380,000 
			 2005 3,440,000 
			 2006 3,420,000 
			 2007 3,490,000 
			  Notes: 1. Means tested benefits are pension credit (PC), minimum income guarantee/income support for the over 60s (MIG/IS), jobseeker's allowance (income-based) (JSA(IB)), housing benefit (HB), council tax benefit (CTB). Overlaps between benefits have been removed. 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest ten thousand. 3. Beneficiaries is the sum of claimants aged 60 or over and claimants partners aged 60 or over. 4. Figures based on one per cent data samples (HB and CTB) and 5 per cent data samples (MIG/IS and JSA(IB) and PC) are subject to sampling variation. The 5 per cent. data sample has been rated in line with Work and Pension Longitudinal Study data. 5. CTB data excludes second adult rebate cases. HB data excludes any Extended Payment cases. 6. Estimates for 2000 to 2004 are based on past benefit data as at May of each year. Estimates for 2005-06 and 2006-07 use estimated annual average caseloads for HB and CTB and data as at May of each year for other benefits. 2007-08 is based on a forecast annual average caseload for HB and CTB and data for other benefits as at May of each year.  Source:  DWP, one per cent. data samples, five per cent. data samples and Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study

Polygamy

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what  (a) research he has conducted and  (b) representations he has received on the recognition of polygamous marriages.

James Plaskitt: I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave the hon. Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 20 February 2008,  Official Report, column 756W.

Poverty: Children

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many and what percentage of children living in poverty are in households liable to pay full council tax measured  (a) before housing costs and  (b) after housing costs; and what the average council tax bill is for those households.

James Plaskitt: Just under a quarter of all children living in relative poverty measured before housing costs, live in households liable to pay full council tax. This equates to around 700,000 children.
	Around two fifths of children living in relative poverty measured after housing costs, live in households liable to pay full council tax. This equates to around 1.4 million children.
	The average weekly council tax bill for these households is around 20 and 21 respectively.
	 Notes:
	1. Households are defined as being in poverty if their income is less than 60 per cent. of the national median equivalised income level.
	2. These figures have been derived using the Policy Simulation Model (PSM) which uses data from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). These are estimated indicative figures.
	3. The PSM models the calculation of individual taxes and income-related benefit entitlement, by deriving detailed microdata from the latest available FRS.
	4. The PSM models the current policy year (2007-08) using the latest FRS data (2005-06), by uprating the FRS to represent the appropriate policy year.
	5. The analysis provided assumes full take-up of income-related benefits in the current policy year (2007-08).

Poverty: Children

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many children in London were living in households with an income below  (a) 60 per cent.,  (b) 50 per cent. and  (c) 40 per cent. of median household income (i) after housing cost and (ii) before housing cost in each of the last 10 years.

Stephen Timms: Specific information regarding low income for the United Kingdom is available in Households Below Average Income 1994-95 to 2005-06. This annual report, which is a National Statistics publication, includes the number and proportion of individuals, children, working age adults and pensioners with incomes below 50 per cent., 60 per cent. and 70 per cent of median income.
	We do not present information covering 40 per cent. of median income in our Households Below Average Income series as it is not a sound measure of poverty. This is because households stating the lowest incomes to the Family Resources Survey may not actually have the lowest living standards. Some people who report very low incomes appear to have high spending. Hence, any statistics on numbers in this group may be misleading.
	Data for number of children below various income thresholds for London over the last 10 years are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Number of children below 40, 50 and 60 per cent. median income in London over the last 10 years 
			  Million 
			   40 per cent.  50 per cent.  60 per cent. 
			  Time period  Before housing costs  After housing costs  Before housing costs  After housing costs  Before housing costs  After housing costs 
			 1994-95 to 1996-97 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.7 
			 1995-96 to 1997-98 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.7 
			 1996-97 to 1998-99 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.7 
			 1997-98 to 1999-2000 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.7 
			 1998-99 to 2000-01 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.6 
			 1999-2000 to 2001-02 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.6 
			 2000-01 to 2002-03 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.6 
			 2001-02 to 2003-04 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.6 
			 2002-03 to 2004-05 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.6 
			 2003-04 to 2005-06 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.6 
			  Notes: 1. Three survey year averages are given for regional low income statistics as robust single year estimates cannot be produced because of the sample sizes for individual regions. 2. The income measures used to derive the estimates shown employ the same methodology as the Department for Work and Pensions publication Households Below Average Income series, which uses disposable household income, equivalised for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 3. The figures are based on OECD equivalisation factors. 4. The preferred measure of low income is based on a threshold of 60 per cent. of the contemporary median income. This is an internationally recognised measure and is consistent with indicators that will be monitored as part of Public Service Agreement Delivery Agreement 9. 5. This response includes a lower income threshold of 40 per cent. of the contemporary median income. The data for families with an income lower than 50 per cent. of median is not considered to be accurate as an indicator of living standards. Many of these households while having very low incomes would not be considered poor, but who do genuinely have few sources of income in the short-run. These figures are not National Statistics and caution must be applied because those people stating the lowest incomes in the Family Resources Survey may not actually have the lowest living standards. 6. Figures have been presented on both a before housing cost and after housing cost basis. For before housing cost, housing costs (such as rent, water rates, mortgage interest payments, structural insurance payments and ground rent and service charges) are not deducted from income, while for after housing cost they are. 7. Numbers in the table have been presented in millions, rounded to the nearest 100,000 children.

Rented Housing

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what  (a) local reference rent is being applied and  (b) the indicative local housing allowances rate is for each bedroom category within each locality/broad market rent area in each non-pathfinder local authority.

James Plaskitt: The requested information has been placed in the Library.

Rented Housing

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the  (a) current levels of the shared room rate and  (b) indicative shared room rate for the same locality/broad rental market area is in each of the 18 pathfinder local pathfinders where local housing allowances is already in place.

James Plaskitt: The information is in the following tables.
	
		
			  Shared room rate in the local housing allowance pathfinder areas at February 2 ,  2008 
			  Pathfinder a rea  Broad rental market areas  Shared room rate (  per week) 
			 Blackpool Fylde 55 
			 Coventry Coventry 50 
			 Brighton Brighton and Hove 77 
			 Lewisham London South East Inner 95 
			  London South East Central 80 
			 North East Lincs North East Lincs 46 
			 Teignbridge Devon South 65 
			  Exeter 75 
			 Leeds Leeds 55 
			  Bradford 51 
			 Conway North Coast 55 
			  North Rural 50 
			  Menai 52 
			 Edinburgh Outer (incl. N, E and S) 66 
			  Central 76 
			 Argyll and Bute Argyll and Bute 65 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire York 55 
			  Bridlington 47 
			  Hull 48 
			  Doncaster 44 
			 Guildford Guildford 85 
			  Blackwater Valley 80 
			  Crawley and Reigate 85 
			 Norwich Central Norfolk and Norwich 65 
			 Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire 50 
			  Cardigan Coast 53 
			 St Helens St Helens 61 
			  Newton Le Willows/Earlestown 72 
			  Ashton 51 
			 Salford Central Greater Manchester 55 
			  Bolton and Bury 52 
			 South Norfolk Central Norfolk and Norwich 65 
			 Wandsworth London SW Inner 90 
			  Note:  Figures rounded to the nearest 1. 
		
	
	
		
			  Provisional shared room rate in the local housing allowance pathfinder areas from April 2008 
			  Pathfinder a rea  Broad rental market areas  Shared room rate (  per week) 
			 Blackpool Fylde Coast 60 
			 Coventry Coventry 50 
			 Brighton Brighton and Hove 80 
			 Lewisham Inner South East London 95 
			  Outer South East London 81 
			 North East Lincs Grimsby 49 
			 Teignbridge Devon South 60 
			  Exeter 69 
			 Leeds Leeds 65 
			  Bradford and South Dales 64 
			 Conway North Clwyd 55 
			  Tremadog Bay 50 
			  Menai 53 
			  Wrexham and South Clwyd 55 
			 Edinburgh Lothians 69 
			 Argyll and Bute Argyll and Bute 65 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire York 58 
			  Bridlington 50 
			  Hull 57 
			  Doncaster 57 
			 Guildford Guildford 83 
			  Blackwater Valley 82 
			  Crawley and Reigate 82 
			 Norwich Central Norfolk and Norwich 69 
			 Pembrokeshire Pembrokeshire 52 
			  Carmarthenshire 48 
			 St Helens St Helens 60 
			  North Cheshire 58 
			  Wigan 50 
			 Salford Central Greater Manchester 60 
			  Bolton and Bury 45 
			 South Norfolk Central Norfolk and Norwich 69 
			 Wandsworth Inner SW London 123 
			  Outer SW London 94 
			  Note:  Figures rounded to the nearest 1.

Rented Housing

Karen Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many localities were in operation in relation to the local reference rent as at April 2007; and how many broad market rent areas will be in operation from April 2008.

James Plaskitt: From April 2007 there were 440 local reference rent localities and from April 2008 there will be 188 broad rental market areas.

Shropshire

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the value was of each grant provided by his Department, its associated agencies and non-departmental public bodies to  (a) Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council,  (b) Shropshire County Council and  (c) Telford and the Wrekin Borough Council in (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08; and what grants have been planned for 2008-09.

James Plaskitt: Details of the grants provided for Shrewsbury and Atcham borough council and Telford and Wrekin borough council by DWP in 2006-07, 2007-08 are recorded in the following table. Figures have also been supplied for those grants that have so far been allocated for 2008-09. The grants consist of housing benefit (HB) administration subsidy and discretionary housing payments which are based on a specific formula, local housing allowance roll out, HB performance standards funding and HB Data scan funding. The table excludes benefit expenditure.
	We are unable to provide information on grants supplied by the Department's agencies and non-departmental public bodies. This information is not held centrally and is held by the bodies themselves. We are also unable to provide figures for Shropshire county council as they do not administer housing benefit therefore they receive no HB grants from DWP.
	
		
			   
			  LA  G rant  2006- 07  2007- 08  2008- 09 
			 Shrewsbury( )and Atcham Administration grant 723,701 729,352 684,103 
			  DHP 26,691 24,763 26,889 
			  Performance standards 35,010   
			  LHA rollout  101,010  
			  Data scan funding  13,569  
			  
			 Telford and Wrekin Administration grant 1,711,278 1,589,663 1,529,850 
			  DHP 31,870 35,193 27,879 
			  LHA rollout  160,457  
			  Data scan funding  15,119

Social Security Benefits: Employment

Alistair Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to allow people to move from unemployment to work without losing income.

Stephen Timms: The design of the tax and benefits system ensures that in the majority of circumstances individuals are financially better off in work. Our plans for building on our successful welfare to work policies are set out in Ready for work: full employment in our generation, which is available in the Library.
	This includes the introduction of our new Better off in Work Credit which will allow us to assure qualifying customers that if they move into full-time employment their income from work, including in-work benefits, will be at least 25 a week more than the income they received from out of work benefits.

Social Security Benefits: Employment

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform about the role of employers in relation to Government policy to move benefit claimants into employment.

Stephen Timms: I talk regularly with my ministerial colleagues at the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform on subjects of mutual interest. Employers have an important role to play in opening up job opportunities to benefit claimants and influencing the design of employment and skills policies to ensure they accurately respond to the needs of the local labour market.
	For example, Local Employment Partnerships aim to secure a stronger commitment from employers to recruit from those who face the greatest barriers to finding work.

Social Security Benefits: Recipients

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people have received benefits meant for another person, excluding cases of fraud, in each of the last 10 years.

James Plaskitt: The information requested is not available.

Social Security Benefits: Spain

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the oral answer of 18 February 2008,  Official Report, column 16, what the evidential basis is for his statement that UK citizens retiring to Spain have the same access to social services as people from other parts of the EU retiring to the UK.

James Plaskitt: As in the UK, when a person moves to live in another member state, access to social services will depend on what services are available in the member state of residence and national legislation.
	European nationals who move to live in another member state, such as UK citizens retiring to Spain, can access the social security systems of their new state of residence on the basis of rights laid down in European legislation, such as the European social security coordinating regulations.

State Retirement Pensions: Females

David Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many women receive reduced pensions having paid the married woman's stamp; what steps he is taking to help women adversely affected as a result of reduced pension payments; and if he will make a statement.

Mike O'Brien: Basic pension entitlements for women who paid national insurance contributions at the married women's reduced rate at some point in their working lives are shown in the following table.
	Women who elected to pay reduced rate contributions were able to revoke their elections at any time. Leaflet NI 1  National Insurance for Married Women went to great lengths to make it clear that married women who chose to pay reduced-rate contributions would not qualify for national insurance entitlements, including retirement pension. Married women opting to pay reduced-rate contributions were required to sign a declaration on a form attached to NI1 that they had read and understood the leaflet.
	There are no current plans to take steps to alter the level of pensions which they acquired as a result of this choice.
	
		
			   Number 
			 Full Category A retirement pension or Category B retirement pension 1,257,000 
			 Reduced Category A retirement pension or Category B retirement pension 548,000 
			 Full Category B married women's pension 1,228,000 
			 Total 3,034,000 
			  Notes: 1. Data are based upon a one per cent sample and are shown to the nearest thousand. 2. UK cases only.  Source: One per cent. IFD Datasets